NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
1 T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN JOSE AMENDING THE “SAN JOSE CITYWIDE
DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES” BY ADDING AN
ADDITIONAL SET OF FINDINGS TO THE EXCEPTIONS TO
STANDARDS SECTION AND TO MAKE OTHER
TECHNICAL OR NON-SUBSTANTIVE TEXT CHANGES
File No. PP22-006
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2021, the Council of the City of San José (“City”), adopted the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” (Resolution No. 79905) to replace the Community Design Guidelines (1990), the Industrial Design Guidelines (1992), and the Residential Design Guidelines (1997); and
WHEREAS, the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” set forth “guidelines” as best practices and overarching design guidance and “standards” as objective requirements that are quantifiable and verifiable; and
WHEREAS, development projects must comply with the design standards identified within the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines,” unless other adopted plans or policies prevail; and
WHEREAS, the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” include a process by which a project applicant may request an exception or exceptions to one or more design standards by which the decision maker (Planning Director, Planning Commission or City Council) must make findings to approve or deny the request based on physical constraint or a unique situation that is not created by the project applicant or property owner and is not caused by financial or economic considerations; approving the waiver will not create a safety hazard or impair the integrity and character of the NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
2 T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
neighborhood in which the subject property is located; and the proposed project meets the intent of the design standard under consideration to the extent feasible; and
WHEREAS, the updated Exceptions to the Design Standards in Section 1.1.2 of the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” adds an additional set of findings that if the decision maker cannot make the aforementioned exception findings, the decision maker may still grant the exception based on other consistencies with the Envision San José 2040 General Plan, the Design Guidelines, and unique circumstances and counterbalancing considerations; and
WHEREAS, on September 14, 2022, the Planning Commission for the City of San José (“Planning Commission”) conducted a hearing on said amendment to the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines,” notice of which was duly given; and
WHEREAS, at said hearing, the Planning Commission gave all persons full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and testimony respecting said matter; and
WHEREAS, at said hearing, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council respecting said matter based on the evidence and testimony; and
WHEREAS, on October 4, 2022, the City Council conducted a hearing on said amendments to the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines,” notice of which was duly given; and
WHEREAS, at said hearing, this City Council gave all persons full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and testimony respecting said matter; and
NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
3 T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
WHEREAS, at said hearing, this City Council received and considered the reports and recommendations of the City’s Planning Commission and City’s Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement; and
WHEREAS, said public hearing before the City Council was conducted in all respects as required by the San José Municipal Code and the rules of this City Council; and
WHEREAS, prior to making its determination on this Resolution, the Council reviewed and considered the Determination of Consistency with the Envision San José 2040 General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Resolution No. 76041), the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report to the Envision San José 2040 General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report (Resolution No. 77617), and Addenda thereto;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE:
1. The above recitals are incorporated herein as findings for approval of the amended Exceptions to Standards under Section 1.1.2 of the “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines.”
2. The “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” are hereby amended to revise the Exceptions to Standards under Section 1.1.2. The amended Exceptions to Standards is attached hereto as Exhibit “A.” The entire “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines,” including the amended Exceptions to Standards is attached hereto as Exhibit “B.” This amended “San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines” will apply to all applicable Planning applications that are on file and deemed complete prior to and after the Effective Date.
3. This Resolution is effective upon approval by the City Council (“Effective Date”).
NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
4 T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
ADOPTED this _____ day of _____________, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
SAM LICCARDO
Mayor
ATTEST:
TONI J. TABER, CMC
City Clerk
NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
A-1
T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
EXHIBIT A
AMENDMENTS TO THE
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
File No. PP22-006: Page 8 of the San José Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines is amended as follows:
1.1.2 Applicability
Exceptions to the Standards
A project applicant may request an exception or exceptions to the design standards contained in the Design Standards and Guidelines. The exception process set forth in the Design Standards and Guidelines is in addition to concessions and or waivers process possible under State Density Bonus laws or other applicable state laws. The request must be made in writing as part of the Planning permit application for the proposed project. The application for an exception must contain detailed information on the design standard that is requested to be waived; how the physical constraints and unique situations of the project site make it infeasible to comply with that design standard; and how the request meets each exception requirement.
The decision-maker (Planning Director, Planning Commission, or City Council, as applicable) will consider the request and information provided and make findings to approve or deny the request. The decision-maker shall only grant an exception if all the following findings are made:
a. There is a physical constraint or unique situation that:
1. Is not created by the project applicant or property owner; and
2. Is not caused by financial or economic considerations.
NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
A-2
T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
b. Approving the waiver exception will not create a safety hazard or impair the integrity and character of the neighborhood in which the subject property is located.
c. The proposed project meets the intent of the design standard under consideration to the extent feasible.
If any of above findings cannot be made, the decision-maker may still grant the exception if all the following findings are made:
a. The project advances the Major Strategies Chapter 1 of the General Plan; b. The project is consistent with the Values and Guiding Principles of Section 1.2.1 of the Design Guidelines;
c. The project achieves the stated Rationale of the section of the Design Guidelines as set forth for each applicable Standard; and
d. There are counterbalancing considerations that justify the inconsistency.
NVF:JVP:JMD
9/21/2022
B-1
T-26711.012/1959544
Council Agenda: 10-04-2022
Item No.: 10.1(a)(b)
DRAFT – Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
EXHIBIT B
AMENDED SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
San José
Citywide
DESIGN STANDARDS
AND GUIDELINES
ADOPTED
February 23, 2021
AMENDED
October 4, 2022
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
2. Acknowledgments
City Council
Sam Liccardo, Mayor
Charles Jones, Vice Mayor
David Cohen
Devora Davis
Magdalena Carrasco
Matt Mahan
Maya Esparza
Pam Foley
Raul Peralez
Sergio Jimenez
Sylvia Arenas
Planning Commission
Mariel Caballero, Chair
Rolando Bonilla, Vice Chair
Deborah Torrens
George Casey
Jorge A. Garcia
Justin Lardinois
Pierluigi Oliverio
Historic Landmarks Commission
Edward Saum, Chair
Paul Boehm, Vice Chair
Anthony Raynsford
Harriett Arnold
Rachel Royer
Stephen Polcyn
City Attorney
Johnny Phan
Vera Todorov
Project Staff
Leila Hakimizadeh, Project Manager
Tim Rood, Division Manager
Other Participating Staff
Alec Atienza
Alexandre Hughes
Allison Rustick
Brent Carvalho
Cecilia Rios
Charla Gomez
Ed Schreiner
Emily Lipoma
Florin Lapustea
James Han
Jan Zhou
Jared Hart
Jeff Sinclair
Jennifer Piozet
John Tu
Kieulan Pham
Larissa Sanderfer
Lisa Joiner
Martina Davis
Matias Eusterbrock
Michael Ogilvie
Michelle Flores
Michelle Mullane
Mike Tklacevic
Mitchell Kimball
Nicolle Burnham
Peter Bennett
Rebekah Ross
Rhonda Buss
Rosene Salmo
Russell Hansen
Stefanie Farmer
Shikha Gupta
Thomas Eddy
Tracy Tam
Yves Zsutty
Zacharias Mendez
Other Organizations
Catalyze SV
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Consultants
Urban Planning Partners, Inc.
Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP
Special Thanks
These Design Standards and Guidelines were
made possible with the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission/Association of Bay
Area Governments Priority Development Area
(PDA) Staffing Assistance Program. This program
addresses staff reductions that have limited the
ability of cities to carry out work critical to
implementing PDA Plans and Plan Bay Area.
Customized consultant assistance is provided to
jurisdictions to overcome policy or planning
challenges to the adoption or implementation of
PDA plans.
The City of San José would like to thank all those
who participated in the community workshops,
provided comments, or otherwise contributed to
the development of this document.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
3. Page intentionally left blank for funding, adaptation, or amendment information - To be provided by the City EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
4. Table of Contents
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Background and Purpose .......................... 7
1.1.2 Applicability ...................................... 8
1.2 Values and Guiding Principles
1.2.1 Values and Guiding Principles ...................... 9
1.3 How To Use This Document
1.3.1 Document Structure.............................. 10
1.3.2 How to Use This Document ....................... 11
2.3.4 Open Space Placement and Access................ 26
2.3.5 Bicycle Parking Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.3.6 Vehicular Parking Placement and Surface Parking
Design ........................................... 28
2.3.7 Site Lighting ..................................... 29
2.3.8 Landscaping and Stormwater Management........ 30
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Site
2.1 Site
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Context, and Internal Site
Circulation....................................... 14
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit............................ 16
2.1.3 Block Size........................................ 17
2.2 Site Access Location
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Location............ 18
2.2.2 Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs................... 19
2.2.3 Services and Utilities Access and Location ......... 20
2.3 Site Organization, Planning, and Design
2.3.1 Building Placement .............................. 22
2.3.2 Active Frontages.................................. 23
2.3.3 Paseo Placement and Design...................... 24
3.0 Building
3.1 Massing
3.1.1 Massing R elationship to Context................... 34
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Scale ...................... 36
3.1.3 Historic Adjacency................................ 37
3.2 Access and Entrance Design
3.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances Design........... 38
3.2.2 Vehicular Entrances and Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
3.2.3 Services and Utilities Entrances and Design ........ 41
3.3 Building Elements
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articulation.................... 42
3.3.2 Roofs and Parapets............................... 44
3.3.3 Decks and Balconies.............................. 46
3.3.4 Awnings, Sunshades, and Screens ................. 47
3.3.5 Parking Garage Design............................ 48
3.3.6 Bird Safety ....................................... 50
3.3.7 Materials and Color............................... 51
3.3.8 Architectural Lighting............................. 52
3.3.9 Signage.......................................... 53 EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
5. 5.0 Specific Development Types
4.0 Pedestrian Level
A.0 Appendix
5.1 Residential
5.1.1 Duplex - Single Family House Conversion or New
Construction ..................................... 66
5.1.2 Infill Multi-Unit Developments - Triplex to Six-Plex ... 67
5.1.3 Townhouses and Rowhouses ..................... 68
5.1.4 Multi-Unit Developments with Multiple Building Types (Rowhouses, Townhouses, or Detached houses) .... 69
5.1.5 Low-Rise Multifamily Residential .................. 70
5.1.6 Mid-Rise Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use .... 71
5.1.7 High-Rise Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use ... 72
5.1.8 Live-Work Spaces / Ground Floor Office associated with Residential units.................................. 73
5.2 Commerc ial
5.2.1 House Conv ersion to Commercial Use............ 74
5.2.2 Commerc ial Corridor............................ 75
5.2.3 Commerc ial Center ............................. 76
5.2.4 Office Buildings - Low-Rise and Mid-Rise.......... 77
5.2.5 Office Buildings - High-Rise ...................... 78
5.2.6 Data Centers.................................... 79
5.2.7 Hotels and Motels............................... 80
5.2.8 Entertainment Centers .......................... 81
5.2.9 Schools ........................................ 82
5.2.10 Fueling and Charging Stations ................... 83
5.2.11 Vehicle Dealerships and Auto Service Facility...... 84
5.2.12 Drive-Through Uses ............................. 85
5.2.13 Warehouses and Self-Service Storage............. 86
5.3 Industrial
5.3.1 Industrial Research and Development ............. 87
5.3.2 Industrial - General ............................... 88
5.3.3 Auto Dismantling................................. 88
4.1 Ground Floor Treatment and Uses
4.1.1 Commerc ial Frontages............................ 56
4.1.2 Residential Frontages............................. 58
4.1.3 Mitigating Blank Walls ............................ 60
4.2 Open Space Design
4.2.1 Privately-Owned (and Maintained) Public Open Space Design ........................................... 61
4.2.2 Common and Private Open Space Design.......... 62
4.3 Public Art
4.3.1 Public Art in Private Development ................. 63 A.1 Glossary ......................................... 91 A.2 Common and Private Open Space Design .......... 96 EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
6. 1.0Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Background and Purp ose .................... 7
1.1.2 Applicability ................................ 8
1.2 Values and Guiding Pr inciples
1.2.1 Values and Guiding Pr inciples ................ 9
1.3 How T o U se Th is Do cument
1.3.1 Document S tructure........................ 10
1.3.2 How t o U se Th is Do cument ................. 11 EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
7. INTRODUCTION
San José is t he lar gest c ity in t he Bay Ar ea,
covering 180 squ are m iles and e xtending fr om
the San F rancisco Bay t o t he f oothills of t he
Santa Clar a V alley. It has b een in habited f or
thousands of y ears by indig enous p eople and
it w as t he f irst pu eblo of t he Sp aniards w ho
arrived in 1777 t o f ound t he t own. Mos t
recently, the c oncentration of h igh-technology
companies ar ound San José has led t he ar ea
to be known as Si licon V alley, inf luencing t he
architecture, geography, and sense of plac e in
San José.
San José is c omposed of div erse c ommunities
supported by a w ell-established m ix of
residential, commercial, and indus trial uses;
public p arks; cultur al ins titutions; and
employment c enters. Ac cording t o U .S. Census
estimates b etween 1999 and 2019, San José' s
population has gr own by ov er 15 p ercent in
the p ast 20 y ears. The c ity has tr ansitioned t o
more ur ban de velopment t o ac commodate
this gr owth. These c onditions ar e an asse t as
well as a c hallenge t o supp ort a c ohesive
development t hat r eflects t he individu al needs
and c haracter of t he c ity’s ne ighborhoods.
The San José Citywide Design S tandards and
Guidelines (defined as: Design S tandards and
Guidelines) will help the City f acilitate gr owth,
set e xpectations f or h igh-quality sit e and
building design, and ma intain and en hance
the c haracter of it s ne ighborhoods and
communities. Compliance wit h t he Design
Standards and Guidelines will be mandat ory in
the Design R eview pr ocess f or a ll applic able
developments (see Subsection 1.1.2).
The Design S tandards and Guide lines w ork in
conjunction wit h ot her City do cuments and
regulations t o ensur e t hat bui ldings
throughout San José hav e a h igh-quality
design and ar e appr opriate f or t heir sit e,
function, and ne ighborhood.
1.1.1 Background and Purpose
1.1 BACKGROUND
Additional documents
Additional expectations apply t o de velopment
in some ar eas of San José. Ple ase r efer t o t he
documents lis ted b elow f or mor e inf ormation.
This lis t is not e xhaustive and c onformance
with additiona l do cuments may b e r equired a t
the time of de velopment r eview. Do cuments
and r esources c an b e f ound a t
www.sanjoseca.gov.
■ Envision San José 2040 Gener al Plan
(General Plan)
■ San José City Counc il and Plann ing
Commission P olicies
■ San José Mun icipal Co de
■ Private Sec tor Gr een Bui lding P olicy
■ San José Comple te S treets Design
Standards and Guide lines
■ Your Old House: Guide f or Pr eserving San
José Homes
■ Public Art NEX T! San José Public Art
Master Plan
■ Cultural Connection: City of San José
Cultural Plan
■ San José T ree P olicy Manu al and
Recommended Bes t Manag ement
Practices
■ Vision Z ero Ac tion Plan
■ San José Be tter Bi ke Plan 2025
■ Solid W aste Enc losure Ar ea Guide lines f or
New Cons tructions and R edevelopment
Projects
■ City of San José Gr een S tormwater
Infrastructure Plan
Revisions
As p art of t he City Counc il Public He aring
process, the City Counc il adopt ed a r esolution
delegating aut hority t o t he Dir ector of
Planning, Building, and Co de Enf orcement t o
make m inor c larifications, c orrections, or
technical changes t o t he t ext and diagr ams of
the Design S tandards and Guide lines.
These r evisions wi ll a lso b e publis hed on t he
Planning, Building, and Co de Enf orcement
web page a t www.sanjoseca.gov/planning.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
8. INTRODUCTION
Urban Vi llage Ar ea
General Plan Gr owth Ar ea
San José Ur ban
Growth Boundar y
Specific Plan Ar ea
N
1.1.2 Applicability
1.1 BACKGROUND
The Design S tandards and Guide lines ar e
effective t hirty (30) days aft er appr oval by t he
City Counc il ("Eff ective Da te"). Any Plann ing
application subm itted aft er t he Eff ective Da te f or a ne w p ermit or p ermit amendment is r equired
to comply wit h t he Design S tandards and
Guidelines, except f or pr ojects wit h Plann ing
applications under r eview pr ior t o t he Eff ective
Date. The San José Citywide Design S tandards
and Guide lines fully r eplace t he R esidential
(1997), Commercial (1990), and Indus trial (1992)
Design Guide lines.
Areas where Guidelines apply
The Design S tandards and Guide lines apply t o
the p ortions of t he City of San José wit hin t he
Urban Gr owth b oundary, e xcluding:
■ Single-family r esidences;
■ Rehabilitation, modifications, or addition t o
historic bui ldings or adaptiv e r euse of
historic bui ldings; and
■ Downtown San José, inc luding t he Dir idon
Station Ar ea (w here t he Downt own Design
Guidelines and S tandards apply).
For appr oved Ur ban Vi llage Plans, Sp ecific
Plans, North San José and ot her Ar ea
Development P olicies, t he s tandards and
guidelines wit hin t hose do cuments s till apply
and s hall t ake pr iority; how ever, if t hose
documents ar e si lent on any sp ecific design
components, the design s tandards and
guidelines in t he Citywide Design S tandards and
Guidelines s hall apply .
Exceptions to Standards
A pr oject applic ant may r equest an e xception or
exceptions t o t he design s tandards c ontained in
the Design S tandards and Guide lines. The
exception pr ocess se t f orth in t he Design
Standards and Guide lines is in addition t o
concessions or w aivers p ossible under S tate
Density Bonus laws or ot her applic able s tate laws.
The r equest mus t b e made in wr iting as p art of
the Plann ing p ermit applic ation f or t he
proposed pr oject. The applic ation f or an
exception mus t c ontain de tailed inf ormation on
the design s tandard t hat is r equested t o b e
waived; how t he physic al c onstraints and
unique situ ations of t he pr oject sit e ma ke it
infeasible t o c omply wit h t hat design s tandard;
and how t he r equest mee ts e ach e xception
requirement.
The dec ision-maker (Plann ing Dir ector,
Planning Comm ission, or City Counc il, as
applicable) will consider t he r equest and
information pr ovided and ma ke f indings t o
approve or deny t he r equest.
The dec ision-maker s hall on ly gr ant an
exception if a ll t he f ollowing f indings ar e
made:
■ There is a physic al c onstraint or un ique
situation t hat:
1. Is not cr eated by t he pr oject applic ant
or pr operty owner ; and
2. Is not c aused by f inancial or ec onomic
considerations.
■ Approving t he e xception wi ll not cr eate a
safety haz ard or imp air t he int egrity and
character of t he ne ighborhood in w hich t he
subject pr operty is lo cated.
■ The pr oposed pr oject mee ts t he int ent of
the design s tandard t o t he e xtent f easible.
If any of a bove f indings c annot b e made, t he
decision-maker may s till gr ant t he e xception if
all the f ollowing f indings ar e made:
■ The pr oject adv ances t he Major S trategies
Chapter 1 of t he Gener al Plan;
■ The pr oject is c onsistent wit h t he V alues
and Guiding Pr inciples of Sec tion 1.2.1 of
the Design Guide lines;
■ The pr oject ac hieves t he s tated R ationale of
the sec tion of t he Design Guide lines as se t
forth f or e ach applic able S tandard; and
■ There ar e c ounterbalancing c onsiderations
that jus tify t he inc onsistency.
Fig. 1.1 Map showing Design S tandards and Guide lines Applic ability.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
9. INTRODUCTION
The V alues and Guiding Pr inciples r epresent t he
reasoning and int ent f or b oth t he ov erall
document as w ell as t he individu al design
standards and guide lines. The y r epresent a m ix
of ide as fr om p ast c ommunity eng agement
efforts and e xisting City Counc il-approved
documents.
Documents c onsulted inc lude (but w ere not
limited t o):
■ Envision San José 2040 Gener al Plan
■ San José Downt own Design Guide lines and
Standards
■ City of San José Mission S tatement
■ City of San José Smart City Vision
■ Approved Ur ban Vi llages and Sp ecific Plans
1.2 VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1.2.1 Values and Guiding Principles
Values and Guiding Principles
Health and Active Design
Create saf e and he althy envir onments t hat
sustain San José' s r esidents, businesses, and
natural resources.
Guiding Principle 1: Design f or Sus tainability
Lead wit h sustainable building and sit e
designs t o supp ort San José' s resilience and
resource s tewardship, now and in t he futur e.
Guiding Principle 2: Support Connec tivity
Design saf e, func tional, and c omfortable
multimodal connections b etween ac tivities
that ar e ac cessible and e asy t o navig ate by
walking, bicycling, and public tr ansit.
Guiding Principle 3: Implement Ac tive Design
Incorporate ac tive design s trategies t hat ma ke
walking and bic ycling enjoy able and saf e f or
San José r esidents and visit ors.
Well-Designed Development
Thoughtfully design plac es t hat cr eate a
pleasant e xperience f or t heir user s, r elate t o
their surr oundings, and cr eate a p ositive
long-term aes thetic imp act.
Guiding Principle 1: Provide Qu ality Design
Create h igh-quality ar chitecture and public
spaces t hat cr eate a ple asing e xperience f or
pedestrians and user s.
Guiding Principle 2: Analyze Cont ext
Build pr ojects t hat r espond t o San José' s
existing ne ighborhoods in design and sc ale.
Identity and Culture
Celebrate and emphasiz e San José' s div ersity
of ne ighborhood c haracters and cultur es.
Guiding Principle 1: Strengthen Commun ity
Character - Design plac es t hat r eflect San
José's e xisting r esidents and businesses and
contribute t o t he physic al, ec onomic, so cial,
and cultur al c haracter.
Guiding Principle 2: Design E quitable Plac es
Make sp aces t hat r ecognize and supp ort
residents’ and w orkers’ ac tivities acr oss ag e,
ability, culture, race, gender, and inc ome.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
10. INTRODUCTION
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 24. 25.SITESITE Over 8 stories tall
Minimum 25' wide
Minimum 20' wide
7 to 8 stories tall
Minimum 16' wide
5 to 6 stories tall
Minimum 12' wide
Up to 4 stories tall
Minimum 10'
Rationale
Paseos provide comfortable shortcuts for
pedestrians and bicyclists and increase
accessibility to different parts of
neighborhoods.
Paseos are landscaped pedestrian and bicycle
connections through medium and large blocks
that are separated from vehicular traffic and
parking areas to provide enjoyable outdoor
space, comfortable shortcuts for pedestrians
and bicyclists, and increased access to the
adjacent neighborhoods.
Standards
S1. Paseos must be at least (see Fig. 2.19):
■ 12 feet wide, when fronted by
buildings up to four stories high.
■ 16 feet wide, when fronted by one or
more buildings that are five to six
stories high.
■ 20 feet wide, when fronted by one or
more buildings that are seven to eight
stories high.
■ 25 feet wide, when fronted by one or
more buildings over eight stories high.
S2. Paseos must have a minimum eight-foot-
wide travel path.
S3. Where paseos are covered by buildings,
they must have at least 20 feet of height
clearance from ground to ceiling. For
buildings taller than six stories, the height
of a covered paseo must be 36 feet or
more. In addition, trellises, decks,
balconies, and sunshades extending from
a building and projecting in a paseo must
provide a minimum height clearance of
10 feet (see Fig. 2.23)
S4. If the paseo is intended for public use, a
pathway easement (PE) must be
dedicated to the City.
Guidelines
G1. Paseos may have built space above or
below them, so long as they are open to
public during building operations,
appear clearly open to the public, and
are visually safe with lighting levels at
least equivalent to adjacent public open
spaces or streets.
G2. Maintain end-to-end visibility and access
for all paseos and provide active
frontages that create eyes-on-the-street
(see Fig. 2.21 and 2.22).
Create pedestrian and bicycle connections and paseos through medium and large sites to increase travel options and improve the circulation network.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN
2.3.3 Paseo Placement and Design
G3. Incorporate pedestrian amenities such as
seating, human-scale lighting, and
signage for wayfinding (see Fig. 2.21).
G4. If paseos are also used for Fire
Department access, they should be
designed with landscaping, paving,
temporary seating, and lighting to
provide quality spaces such that they do
not interfere with access routes.
Related Subsections
2.3.4 Open Space Placement and Access
2.3.8 Landscaping and Stormwater
Management
General Plan Reference
CD-3, CD-5, LU-9, PR-7, TR-2
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN Fig. 2.19 Maintain the minimum width for paseos based on the height of the buildings fronting them.
Fig. 2.20 A minimum 8-foot travel path provides
comfortable movement space for pedestrians
and bicyclists.
Fig. 2.21 Maintain end-to-end visibility through paseos and provide pedestrian amenities such as seating and human-scale lighting.
Fig. 2.22 Provide publicly-accessible paseos
for pedestrian and bicycle access to
and through development sites.
Fig. 2.23 Articulate building façades along paseos and
provide a minimum of 10 feet height clearance
between paseos and building elements like
balconies, trellises, and sunshades.
Fig. 2.24 Use paseos to create shorter blocks and incorporate pedestrian amenities such as seating and lighting.
DRAFT
DRAFT
DRAFT: JAnUARy 3, 2021
Subsection Num ber
and Name
Guiding Pr inciples
Section Num ber
and Name
Objective
Rationale
Standards and
Guidelines
Illustrative
Graphics and
Photos
Related
Subsections
General Plan
Reference
Chapter Name
5.0 Specific Development Types
Provides e xamples of how t o apply Design
Standards and Guide lines as ‘r oadmaps’ f or
typical development c ategories, inc luding
townhomes, offices, and w arehouses.
A.0 Appendix
Defines it alicized t erms used in t he Design
Standards and Guide lines and pr ovides
additional information r egarding s tandards
and guide lines.
Subsection Organization
Refer t o Fig. 1.2 for a visu al guide of w here t o
find individu al f eatures on e ach Subsec tion
page. Each Subsec tion inc ludes t he f ollowing:
Section Name is t he t opic gr oup t hat
encompasses one or mor e Subsec tions.
Subsection Name includes t he Subsec tion
number and a tit le t hat br iefly summar izes it s
content.
Guiding Pr inciples identify t he guiding
principles supp orted by t he Subsec tion
(See Subsection 1.2.1).
Objective identifies t he purp ose or pr imary
objective of a Subsec tion.
Rationale explains t he r easoning f or a
Subsection and intr oduces lar ger
considerations f or t hat sp ecific t opic.
Document Structure
The Design S tandards and Guide lines ar e
organized int o f ive c hapters and an app endix:
1.0 Introduction
Explains w hy t he Design S tandards and
Guidelines w ere cr eated, t heir int ended
function, where t hey apply , and how t o
successfully implement t hem t o cr eate qu ality
developments. Identifies t he v alues and
guiding pr inciples t hat se t t he t one and
direction f or t his do cument.
2.0 Site
Details Design S tandards and Guide lines f or
laying out sit es t o supp ort c ohesive
neighborhoods, complement surr ounding
buildings, bolster multimo dal c onnectivity,
and cr eate c omfortable and inviting plac es.
3.0 Building
Covers ar chitectural de tailing of bui ldings,
including design ing lo cation-sensitive
buildings, articulating façades, creating visu al
interest, and c ommunicating bui lding
functionality and h ierarchy t hrough design.
4.0 Pedestrian Level
Explains bui lding and sit e-design t echniques
that f acilitate ac tive s treets and en hance
community amen ities.
Standards are ob jective r equirements t hat ar e
quantifiable and v erifiable. De velopment
projects mus t c omply wit h S tandards
identified wit hin t his do cument (un less ot her
adopted plans or p olicies pr evail).
Standards t hat ar e sp ecific t o r esidential,
commercial, or indus trial land uses (as de fined
in the General Plan) are lis ted under
"Additional Standards f or Gener al Plan
Residential, Commercial, or Indus trial Land
Use Designa tions. "
Guidelines describe b est pr actices and ser ve
as ov erarching design guidanc e. Pr oposed
commercial and indus trial pr ojects sub ject t o
the Design S tandards and Guide lines mus t b e
in subs tantial c onformance wit h t he guide lines
contained in t he do cument.
Guidelines pr ovide a fr amework of design
principles t hat supplement t he manda tory
design rules. Guide lines t hat ar e sp ecific t o
residential, commercial, or indus trial land uses
as de fined in General Plan are lis ted under
"Additional Guidelines f or Gener al Plan
Residential, Commercial, or Indus trial Land
Use Designa tions. "
Related Subsec tions list ot her Subsec tions
that ar e r elated t o t he t opic or ar ea t hat is
being addr essed.
General Plan R eference provides a lis t of
sections fr om t he General Plan that each
Subsection g enerally supp orts.
1.3 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT
1.3.1 Document Structure
Fig. 1.2 Visual guide of w here individu al f eatures ar e on e ach p age.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
11. INTRODUCTION
2.0 Site
Examine t he c haracter of t he surr ounding
context, including ne arby h istoric bui ldings,
and ana lyze t he sit e's lo cation wit hin t he City .
Determine p edestrian, bicyclist, and v ehicular
traffic access p oints t o t he sit e. U se t he e xisting patterns of de velopment t o inf orm sit e
planning, organization, and design. Or ient
internal circulation and bui ldings t o a lign wit h
existing and planned c irculation r outes.
3.0 Building
Design massing and f orm t o c oncentrate
building and ac tivity int ensity a t appr opriate
locations and pr ovide tr ansitions t o low er
intensity ar eas. Articulate building massing and
façades to create human-scale developments
that le ad t o an active public realm.
The f ollowing inf ographic i llustrates t he s tep-by-step pr ocess t hat designer s and de velopers s hould f ollow f or design ing a pr oject and identif ies t he chapters of t his do cument c ontaining t he r elevant Design S tandards and Guidelines f or e ach s tep.
4.0 Pedestrian Level
Add visu al int erest t o bui lding frontages based
on t he int erior uses t o c omplement t he
development's surr oundings and en liven t he
public realm. Utilize t he frontage and furnishing
zones to promote p edestrian ac tivity and
enhance t he c haracter of t he de velopment's
street frontage.
**
**
1.3 HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT
1.3.2 How to Use This Document
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
12. 2.1 Site
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Cont ext, and Int ernal Sit e Cir culation ........ 14
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit....................................... 16
2.1.3 Block Size................................................... 17
2.2 Site Ac cess L ocation
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Ac cess L ocation....................... 18
2.2.2 Driveways and V ehicle Dr op-offs.............................. 19
2.2.3 Services and Uti lities Ac cess and L ocation .................... 20
2.3 Site Or ganization, Plann ing, and Design
2.3.1 Building Plac ement ......................................... 22
2.3.2 Active F rontages............................................. 23
2.3.3 Paseo Placement and Design................................. 24
2.3.4 Open Sp ace Plac ement and Ac cess ........................... 26
2.3.5 Bicycle P arking Plac ement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.3.6 Vehicular P arking Plac ement and Surf ace P arking Design ...... 28
2.3.7 Site Lig hting ................................................ 29
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater Manag ement ................... 30
2.0 Site
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
13. SITE
Site
(Chapter 2)
Building
(Chapter 3)
Pedestrian Level
(Chapter 4)
This c hapter pr ovides sit e design s tandards and
guidelines t o supp ort w alkable, func tional, and
safe c ommunities t hroughout San José. It a lso
discusses t he r ole of a bui lding in a block, street, and lar ger ur ban context.
New c onstruction and r edevelopment pr ojects
are opp ortunities t o bui ld up on e xisting
neighborhoods and cr eate mor e p edestrian-
friendly c ommunities by supp orting a lar ger
context of op en sp ace p atterns, uses, ac cess t o
sunlight, circulation, and surr ounding h istoric
buildings. Increased p edestrian ac cess,
improved infr astructure f or bic ycle and
micromobility, frequent plac ement of public
open spaces, and c onnectivity t o tr ansit wi ll
bolster c ommunity vi brancy, as wi ll t houghtful
vehicular c irculation and infr astructure.
Introduction
The arr angement and design of bui ldings, sp aces, c irculation r outes, and ac tivities on a pr operty or de velopment sit e s hould b e c onnected t o it s lo cation. Sit e plann ing, or ganization, and design play an imp ortant r ole in t he su ccess of a de velopment and in de termining how w ell a de velopment f its in and c onnects wit h it s surr oundings.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
14. SITE
*
*
Public Open Space
Bicycle p ath
Public/quasi-public building
Transit - Bus s top
Commercial corridor
Small Site
Average lot siz es
Commercial buildings
Medium site
Large site
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PARK
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
Understand the importance of individual locations and how they respond to and connect with the surrounding context.
ANALYZE CONTEXT , IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, AND DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Context, and Internal Site Circulation
2.1 SITE
Rationale
A de velopment pr oject's design s hould r elate
to its surr oundings or context using design
strategies ac cording t o it s siz e, lo cation, and
relationship to transit, streets, and p edestrian
circulation.
While ne w de velopments may b e of a diff erent
scale t han t heir surr oundings, using design
elements su ch as massing, texture, and
character t o r eflect t he e xisting context helps in creating c ohesive ne ighborhoods. It is a lso
important t o c onnect de velopments wit h t heir
surroundings using int ernal sit e c irculation t o
integrate b etter int o t he context.
Applicability
Confirm if t he sit e is wit hin an appr oved or
designated Ur ban Vi llage or Sp ecific Plan or
has h istoric adjac ency. Then use t he
appropriate design s trategies mentioned in
these Design S tandards and Guide lines.
Calculate t he siz e of t he de velopment sit e t o
evaluate appr opriate design t oolkits r elative t o
the sc ale of sit es. Mos t sit es f all in one of t he below t hree c ategories (see Fig 2.1):
■ Small Sites: Development sit es t hat hav e
a t otal ar ea of less t han 10,000 squ are
feet. Small sites either house a sing le
building or one pr imary bui lding wit h
smaller ac cessory bui ldings.
■ Medium Sites: Development sit es, e ither a
single p arcel or multiple c ontiguous
parcels, that hav e a t otal ar ea b etween
10,000 and 75,000 squ are f eet. These may
or may not r equire an int ernal c irculation
network for v ehicles, p edestrians, and
bicyclists b ased on sit e or ganization and
planning.
■ Large Sites: Development sit es, e ither a
single p arcel or multiple c ontiguous
parcels, that hav e a t otal ar ea of mor e
than 75,000 squ are f eet and r equire an
internal circulation ne twork.
Assess t he surr ounding c haracter, t opography,
views, street p atterns and typ es, e xisting land
uses, General Plan land use designa tions,
building typ es, and public realm to understand
the sit e's r ole in t he ne ighborhood.
Fig. 2.1 Design de velopments b ased on t he siz e of sit es. Ana lyze and under stand t he imp ortance of a de velopment sit e wit hin t he surr ounding context.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
15. SITE
*
*
Pedestrian and
bicycle c irculation
Transit s tops
Residential use
Commercial use
Public open space
connections
Pedestrian and bic ycle
connections t o public open spaces
and c ommunity amen ities
Commercial uses and ac tivities
near sim ilar e xisting uses
New s treets, a lleys, and paseos
aligned wit h e xisting s treet
patterns and p edestrian r outes
Connections fr om r esidential
neighborhood t o
commercial corridor
Residential uses and ac tivities ne ar
existing r esidential ne ighborhood
and sim ilar uses
(COMMERCIAL
CORRIDOR)
**
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PARK
Standards
S1. In ar eas wit h gr id s treet p atterns, a lign
new block patterns and int ernal
circulation suc h as driv eway ais les, alle ys,
private streets, and paseos on medium
and large sites wit h t he e xisting
surrounding s treet gr id (see Fig. 2.2).
S2. Site gr ading out side t he bui lding
footprint f or ne w de velopments on
hillside sit es mus t not v ary mor e t han
three f eet fr om t he e xisting gr ade.
S3. Site gr ading f or ne w de velopments on
hillside sit es mus t b e lim ited t o 10 f eet
from t he e xisting gr ade wit hin t he
building f ootprint.
Guidelines
G1. Locate r esidential, c ommercial, and
industrial activities ne ar sim ilar e xisting,
planned, and a llowed uses t o r einforce
surrounding ac tivities, uses, and p atterns
of s treets and block sizes (see Fig. 2.2).
G2. Create accessible pedestrian connections
between ne w c onstruction, tr ansit s tops,
and c ommunity f acilities su ch as p arks,
trails, community c enters, r eligious
buildings, and sc hools (see Fig. 2.2).
G3. Preserve on-sit e na tural amen ities su ch
as mature trees, creeks, and r iparian
corridors and int egrate t hem int o t he sit e
planning and or ganization as design
features or or ganizing e lements. F or
example, locate a c ourtyard or an
outdoor r ecreational sp ace ar ound an
existing mature tree.
G4. Plan de velopments on h illside sit es t o
follow t he e xisting t opography, ma intain
significant sit e vie ws, and not obscur e t he
silhouette of pr ominent r idgelines.
G5. Where cut -and-fill s lopes ar e unav oidable
on h illside sit es, sculpt t hem t o blend wit h
the adjac ent t errain.
G6. Minimize gr ading wit hin 10 f eet of pr operty
line su ch t hat t he he ight of r etaining w alls
above gr ade is f our f eet or less.
Related Subsections
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
2.1.3 Block Size
2.3.2 Active F rontages
General Plan Reference
CD-3, CD-4, ER-6, LU-13
2.1 SITE
Fig. 2.2 Consider t he lo cation of uses and c onnections t o t he surr ounding ar ea b efore design ing a ne w de velopment.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
16. SITE
*
*
Transit s tops
Vehicular entr ances
Driveways fr om
secondary streets
Bicycle c onnections
from ne ighborhoods
to transit s tops
Pedestrian and
bicycle c onnections
through large sites
Active frontages near
transit s tops
Pedestrian and
bicycle c irculation
**
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PARK
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
Create convenient multimodal connections by orienting activities and amenities towards transit stops and stations.
Rationale
Developments ne ar tr ansit infr astructure
should use tr ansit r esources t o t heir fulles t
potential. This wi ll he lp c onserve r esources,
time, and ener gy, w hile a lso r educing ne gative
environmental impacts.
High-density de velopments and c lusters of
activity ne ar tr ansit s tations and major s tops
improve t he li kelihood t hat r esidents,
employees, and visit ors wi ll use tr ansit.
Locating active frontages and amen ities ne ar
transit s tations a lso impr oves tr ansit r iders'
experience.
Standards
S1. When lo cated wit hin 500 f eet of a
Frequent Network transit s top, lo cate t he
primary building entrance at t he bui lding
façade closest t o t he tr ansit s top
(see Fig. 2.5).
S2. Do not lo cate dr iveways dir ectly adjac ent
to bus s tops, r ail s tations, and lig ht r ail
corridors, unless t here ar e no ot her
streets adjoin ing t he pr operty.
SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN
S3. Do not plac e a t-grade v ehicle ac cess t o
development sit es acr oss lig ht r ail tr acks
or wit hin 60 f eet of an ac tive r ail c orridor
unless t he on ly ac cess t o t he sit e fr om a
public s treet is acr oss t he lig ht r ail tr acks.
Guidelines
G1. Locate t he h ighest int ensity of any
development(s) near tr ansit, p articularly
rail transit s tations and Frequent Network
transit s tops.
G2. Arrange active frontages, such as r etail
stores, offices, and on-sit e amen ities on
the p art of sit e c losest t o tr ansit s tops
(see Fig. 2.3).
G3. Place p edestrian and bic ycle entr ances
such t hat t hey ar e c onnected t o tr ansit
stops via s treets, p edestrian w alkways,
and paseos lined wit h active frontages.
When direct access cannot b e pr ovided
due t o sit e lim itations, pr ovide a p ath of
travel uninterrupted by a dr iveway or
parking ar ea.
G4. Place public ly-accessible op en sp aces
such as public plaz as in lo cations t hat
provide a plac e t o r est b etween tr ansit
connections. Provide c overed se ating
and landscaping to enhance p edestrian
connections b etween primary building
entrances and tr ansit s tops.
Related Subsections
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Cont ext, and Int ernal
Site Cir culation
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Ac cess L ocation
2.3.2 Active F rontages
3.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Entr ances Design
4.1.1 Commercial Frontages
General Plan Reference
CD-2, CD-3, LU-10, TR-1
2.1 SITE
Fig. 2.3 Locate t he h ighest int ensity de velopment ne ar tr ansit s tations and cr eate p edestrian p aths t hat lin k t hem t o t he ne ighborhood.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
17. SITE
Residential
Commercial and
Mixed-Use
PRIMARY S TREET
PRIMARY S TREET
SECONDARY S TREET OR P ASEO
400'
SECONDARY
S
TREET
OR
P
ASEO
Typical 400 feet by 300 f eet block in
General Plan Residential land use
designation
Maximum block size f or irr egularly
shaped blocks in General Plan
Residential land use designa tion is
120,000 square f eet
Publicly-accessible p edestrian w alkway,
paseo, alley, or private streets when a
block is mor e t han 400 f eet
300' (400' maximum)
2.1.3 Block Size
2.1 SITE
Keep block sizes small to create a variety of multimodal transportation routes, promote pedestrian-friendly architecture, and increase views and wind flows.
Rationale
Blocks are t he ar eas b ounded by public
rights-of-way and public open spaces.
Smaller block patterns supp ort a f ine-grained
development p attern t hat c an impr ove
transportation and cr eate a v ariety of e asy
and c onvenient multimo dal r oute c hoices.
Guidelines
G1. Limit t he siz e of blocks to 400 feet by
300 feet or 120,000 squ are f eet in
General Plan Residential land use
designations.
G2. When any dimension of a block in a
General Plan Residential land use
designation is mor e t han 400 f eet,
provide a publicly-ac cessible pedes trian
walkway, paseo, alley, or private street
to make it e asier f or p edestrians and
bicyclists t o navig ate (see Fig. 2.4).
G3. Align ne w s treets, paseos, and public
open spaces with t he e xisting s treet
pattern and p edestrian r outes.
ANALYZE CONTEXT
G4. When c hanging e xisting s treet
alignments, create ne w r ights-of-way t hat
are t he same or gr eater widt h t han w hat
currently e xists and hav e a dedic ated
space f or mov ement of p edestrians and
bicyclists.
G5. When changing exis ting str eet alignment s
for s treets t hat ar e not planned f or
bicycle lanes or ot her r ight-of-way
expansions, the s treet a lignment s hould
not b e wider t han w hat curr ently e xists.
Related Subsections
2.3.3 Paseo Placement and Design
General Plan Reference
CD-3, CD-4
Fig. 2.4 Break large blocks int o sma ller ar eas t o e ase p edestrian c irculation using paseos, pedestrian w alkways, or private streets.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
18. SITE
*
*
Frequent Network transit s top
Pedestrian and bic ycle
entrances fr om primary
streets, paseos, public open
spaces, and Privately-owned
(and maintained) Public Open
Spaces (POPOS)
Secondary building entrance
Primary building entrance
within 15' of side walk
Primary building entrance
within 500' of Frequent
Network transit s top
Transit S topsPrimary building
entrance
Secondary building
entrance
**
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PASEO
ALLEY
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Location
2.2 SITE ACCESS LOCATION
Maximize pedestrian access and shape project identity around entrances that accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles.
Rationale
Pedestrian and bic ycle entr ances c onnect
buildings t o t heir surr oundings and enc ourage
street ac tivity. The y s hould b e c learly
identifiable and e asily ac cessible. Or ienting
them t owards s treets he lps cr eate ac tive
sidewalks and pr omotes a saf e public realm.
Standards
S1. When de velopments hav e multiple
entrances, locate t hem b ased on t he
following pr iority:
■ Public tr ansit
■ Primary streets
■ Secondary streets
■ Publicly-accessible op en sp aces
■ Alleys or int ernal sit e c irculation
S2. All ground f loor r esidential un its fr onting
a s treet or paseo must hav e e ither one or
a c ombination of:
■ A pr imary front door access from t he
street or paseo; or
■ A p atio, b alcony, or sim ilar private
open space placed a long t he s treet or
paseo. The enc losure/railing f or su ch
an amen ity mus t b e a t le ast 50 p ercent
transparent and mus t b e int egrated in
the design of t he de velopment.
S3. Locate primary building entrances for
residential buildings on a de velopment
site su ch t hat t hey ar e wit hin 15 f eet of a
public side walk or public ly-accessible
open sp ace, un interrupted by p arking
lots or v ehicular c irculation ar eas
(see Fig. 2.5).
S4. Provide direct access for a ll lobbies,
public open spaces, and paseos from t he
street or public ly-accessible p edestrian
walkways (see Fig. 2.6).
S5. Place t he primary building entrance such
that it c an b e ac cessed fr om a s treet,
public open space, semi-private open
space, or POPOS.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER A ND SUPPOR T C ONNECTIVITY General Plan Reference
CD-2, CD-3, TR-1, TR-2
Guidelines
G1. Provide fr equent entr ances and op enings
in bui lding façades to connect bui ldings
to the public realm.
G2. For medium and large development sites,
create p edestrian w alkways and bic ycle
paths t hat pr ovide e asy ac cess t o and
through t he de velopment sit e fr om
public r ights-of-way.
G3. When a m ixed-use de velopment wit h
commercial uses on t he gr ound f loor has
multiple façades:
■ Locate the primary building entrance
for c ommercial uses a t t he bui lding
edge t hat f aces a primary street or a
public open space.
■ Locate the primary building entrance
for r esidential uses a t t he secondary
street to maximize t he le asable sp ace
for c ommercial uses.
Related Subsections
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Cont ext, and Int ernal
Site Cir culation
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
Fig. 2.5 Locate p edestrian and bic ycle entr ances t o b e directly accessible from primary streets and c lose t o tr ansit s tops, and public open spaces.
Fig. 2.6 A c onvenient and c learly-visible p edestrian and bic ycle entr ance.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
19. SITE
Open sp ace scr eened
from p arking
Open sp ace frontage
Shared dr iveway
OPEN SPACEPRIMARY
STREET
Driveway f or
corner p arcel fr om
secondary street
Driveway f or
corner p arcel fr om
secondary street
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
2.2.2 Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
Rationale
Driveways cr eate lar ge g aps in t he streetwall,
increase saf ety r isks f or p edestrians and
bicyclists, and ne gatively imp act t he c ontinuity
of w alkways and active frontages. Sharing
driveways, limiting t he num ber of dr iveways
for e ach de velopment, and design ing t hem
thoughtfully c an he lp m itigate some of t hese
negative imp acts.
Standards
S1. Locate cur b cut s a t le ast 20 f eet aw ay
from public ly-accessible op en sp aces
and 50 f eet aw ay fr om p edestrian and
bicycle entr ances, e xcept wit hin
porte-cochères and f or sit es wit h less
than 60 f eet of s treet frontage.
S2. Entrance/exit dr iveways mus t b e lim ited
to a maximum of tw o p er 200 f eet on a ll
mid-block parcels. For m id-block parcels
with less t han 200 f eet of s treet frontage,
provide on ly one entr ance/exit dr iveway.
Provide a maximum of one dr iveway on
each s treet f or c orner p arcels wit h ov er
200 feet of t otal s treet frontage.
S3. For c orner p arcels or pr operties wit h tw o
intersecting s treets, pr ovide t he v ehicular
and dr iveway ac cess on t he secondary
street or t he s treet wit h lesser p edestrian,
bicycle, and v ehicular c irculation
(see Fig. 2.7 and 2.9).
S4. Do not lo cate individu al r esidence
garages, parking p ads, and dr iveways
along primary streets, except f or
duplexes. Where pr ovided, lo cate t hem
along secondary streets, alleys, or private
streets (see Fig. 2.8).
S5. Do not cr eate sing le-purpose dr iveways
to roll out solid waste bins or ac cess
utility r ooms. These f acilities mus t b e
accessed t hrough int ernal dr iveway
aisles or s hared wit h t he ma in dr iveway.
Guidelines
G1. Share dr iveways and p arking c irculation
with adjac ent pr operty owner s wit hin
appropriate e asements t o av oid multiple
driveways a long primary streets.
G2. When v ehicle dr op-off sp aces ar e
provided, locate t hem t o t he side or r ear
of bui ldings.
G3. Locate dr iveways t o t he side or r ear of a
development sit e un less no ot her
alternative is av ailable.
G4. Do not lo cate dr ive-through lanes
between t he bui lding and s treets,
pedestrian w alks, or paseos. Use t he
backside of int erior p arcels as a s tacking
lane f or v ehicles t o a llow maximum
pedestrian ac cess and active frontages
on primary and secondary streets.
G5. When pr ovided, secur ity g ates and c heck
point kios ks mus t b e se t b ack a
minimum of 50 f eet fr om t he b ack of
curb to provide enoug h on-sit e qu euing
length f or a t le ast t hree v ehicles t o s tack.
Related Subsections
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Ac cess L ocation
3.2.2 Vehicular Entr ances and Dr iveways
3.3.5 Parking Gar age Design
General Plan Reference
CD-1, TR-5, VN-1
Separate driveways from pedestrian rights-of-way and other multimodal transportation services.
ANALYZE CONTEXT AND SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY
2.2 SITE AC CESS LOCA TION
Fig. 2.7 Limit t he num ber of dr iveways f or e very sit e t o m itigate t heir ne gative imp act on t he public realm and lo cate them on secondary streets unless no ot her lo cation is p ossible.
Fig. 2.8 Locate g arages, p arking p ads, and dr iveways for individu al r esidences on secondary streets,
alleys, or private streets.
Fig. 2.9 Locate dr iveways on secondary or less
prominent s treets aw ay fr om public open
spaces and s treet int ersections.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
20. SITE
2.2.3 Services and Utilities Access and Location
Locate services, utilities, and their access away from active frontages, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit areas.
ANALYZE CONTEXT AND IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN
2.2 SITE AC CESS LOCA TION
Rationale
Adequate ser vice and uti lity f acilities ar e
critical to the func tionality of bui ldings.
However, these f acilities int erfere wit h t he
continuity of active frontages, façade
transparency, and ot her c ommunity
characteristics t hat supp ort a p ositive public
realm.
Sensitive plac ement of ser vice ar eas, uti lities,
and ser vice entr ances supp orts ple asant and
safe public sp aces and ma kes w alking,
bicycling, and r iding public tr ansit enjoy able.
Standards
S1. If t he Fir e Dep artment or any uti lity
companies r equire ac cess t o on-sit e
facilities fr om t he s treet, lo cate ser vices
and uti lities su ch t hat:
■ They o ccupy less t han 25 p ercent of
ground f loor street-facing building
façades.
■ They o ccupy less t han 25 p ercent of
each gr ound f loor street-facing
building façade, if t here is mor e t han
one façade that f aces a s treet.
S2. Provide a c overed ar ea f or solid waste
collection w hen it is lo cated out side t he
building envelope (see Fig. 2.10).
S3. Screen a ll ser vices and uti lities lo cated
outside t he bui lding env elope t hat ar e
within 30 f eet of a public r ight-of-way
(see Fig. 2.10).
S4. Provide access for uti lities and w aste
collection fr om secondary streets, alleys,
or private streets. Only pr ovide ac cess t o
service ar eas fr om primary streets for
sites t hat do not hav e sit e frontage along
any secondary street, alley, or private
street (see Fig. 2.11).
Additional Standards fo r Ge neral Pl an
Commercial an d In dustrial La nd Us e
Designations
S5. Place ser vice y ards, uti lities, and t heir
access a t le ast 50 f eet aw ay fr om
residential uses.
Guidelines
G1. Locate a ll uti lity and ser vice ar eas and
access a t le ast 50 f eet aw ay fr om s treet
intersections and primary building
entrances, measured fr om t he edg e of
the dr iveway t o t he c losest edg e of t he
building entr ance or op en sp ace
(see Fig. 2.14).
G2. For small sites or m id- block parcels t hat
can on ly b e ac cessed fr om t he fr ont, on a
site less t han 50 f eet wide, plac e a ll
utilities and ser vices a t a lo cation f arthest
from any s treet int ersections and primary
building entrance (see Fig. 2.14).
G3. For purp oses of scr eening, lo cate uti lities
and ser vices (e.g., tr ansformers, b ackflow
preventers, electrical and mec hanical
equipment r ooms, ser vice y ards, and
solid waste collection) at t he side or r ear
of t he de velopment sit e, w hile s till
allowing enoug h sp ace f or ma intenance.
Utilities and ser vices t hat c an b e plac ed
in a bui lding or ar e fully scr eened fr om
the public realm can b e lo cated in t he
front of t he de velopment.
G4. Establish a ser vice and uti lity ar ea f or
each bui lding on a medium or large site
with multiple bui ldings lo cated aw ay
from t he public realm.
G5. Locate ser vice and uti lity ac cess p oints
for de velopment sit es wit h multiple
frontages based on t he f ollowing
priorities (see Fig. 2.14):
■ Alleys and on-sit e p arking lot s
■ Secondary streets
■ Publicly-accessible op en sp aces
■ Any s treets wit h a t-grade lig ht r ail
transit t hat do not hav e direct
pedestrian access
■ Primary streets
G6. Provide a m inimum 22’ -wide a lley,
driveway, or private street for w aste
collection v ehicle ac cess t o ser vicing
locations. Allocate t he r oom r equired f or
waste c ollection v ehicles t o ac cess t he
solid waste servicing lo cations and
collect w aste.
Fig. 2.10 Screen on-sit e solid waste and uti lity ar eas located out side t he bui lding.
Fig. 2.11 Service ac cess fr om secondary street.
Fig. 2.12 An on-sit e solid waste area lo cated inside a building.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
21. SITE
Utilities and ser vice ac cess
and equipment plac ed a t
the f arthest lo cation fr om
building entr ance w hen sit e
width a long t he s treet is
less t han 50'
Services, utilities, and t heir
access lo cated a t le ast 50'
from s treet int ersections
and public open spaces
Preferred lo cation f or
services and uti lities
towards t he r ear or side
of bui ldings
Preferred ac cess f or
services and uti lities fr om
secondary streets, alleys, or
private streets
Mid-block parcel PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
ALLEY
ALLEY
2.2 SITE AC CESS LOCA TION
G7. Provide v ehicular turnar ounds on
driveways f or lo ading ar eas and ser vice
yards as r equired by lo cal uti lity and
waste c ollection c ompanies.
G8. Put tr ansformers b elow gr ade in v aults
whenever a llowed by lo cal uti lity
companies.
G9. For ne w de velopments implementing
signal modifications a t int ersections wit h
signal cabinet lo cations a long t heir s treet
frontage, the signa l c abinets s hall b e
subject t o r elocation and plac ement
within bui ldings a t t he c orner lot s p er
City dir ection.
Additional Gu idelines fo r Ge neral Pl an
Commercial an d In dustrial La nd Us e
Designations
G10. Access t he ser vice b ays f or c ommercial
and indus trial de velopments fr om private
streets or int ernal sit e c irculation and not
directly fr om t he s treet.
Related Subsections
2.3.2 Active F rontages
3.2.3 Services and Uti lities Entr ances
and Design
General Plan Reference
CD-1, TR-5, VN-1
Fig. 2.13 Services lo cated a t secondary streets, alleys, or private streets.
Fig. 2.14 Locate ser vices, uti lities, solid waste collection, and t heir ac cess a long a lleys or secondary streets, away fr om primary streets and public open spaces. For m id- block parcels wit h on ly primary street frontage, locate t hem 50 feet aw ay or a t t he f arthest lo cation on-sit e fr om t he primary building entrance and public open space.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
22. SITE
X'
X'
(X+Y)' must be more than 75% of Z'
Z' - Length of street frontage
(X+Y)
' - Bui lding façade within 5' of
setback or e asement line
Y'
Z'
Z'
POPOS
Commercial
buildings
Mixed-use building
Front façade
Side façade
Front façade
Multifamily bui lding
Building frontage
Private street or
internal site c irculation
Front door
access
Primary street building frontage (A + B + C) equ al t o or gr eater t han 75% T otal Primary street site frontage Secondary street building frontage (a + b) equ al t o or gr eater t han 60% T otal Secondary street site frontage (*A, a, B, b represent bui ldings' fr ont façade facing t he s treet; C r epresents bui ldings' side façade facing t he s treet)
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
OPEN SPACE
SECONDARY
STREET
A
Primary
street
frontage
Secondary
street
frontage
a C
B b
Rationale
Places designed f or p eople enc ourage
interaction and c onnections b etween p eople
and envir onment. L ocating bui ldings wit h
active frontages along s treets and public sp aces
such as side walks, paseos, POPOS, and plaz as
helps fr ame t he sp ace and c ontributes ener gy,
visual interest, and eyes-on-the-street.
Standards
S1. To create a c ontinuous streetwall, place a t
least 75 p ercent of t he gr ound f loor
primary street-, paseo-, or public open
space- facing (e xcept r iparian c orridor)
façades of buildings wit h t he pr imary
commercial or r esidential use wit hin f ive
feet of t he setback or e asement line
(whichever is mor e r estrictive)
(see Fig. 2.15 and 2.16). When t here ar e
multiple bui ldings on t he sit e, 75 p ercent
of t he sum of a ll primary street-, paseo-,
and public open space-facing gr ound f loor
building façades must b e c onsidered in
the c alculation a bove. This s tandard do es
not apply w hen t he widt h of side walk is
equal to or less t han 10 f eet.
S2. To create a c ontinuous streetwall, place
building façades with t he pr imary
commercial or r esidential use wit hin f ive
feet of t he setback or e asement line
(whichever is mor e r estrictive) f or a t le ast
60 percent of t he site frontage along
secondary streets (see Fig. 2.15 and 2.16).
When t here ar e multiple bui ldings on t he
site, 60 percent of t he sum of a ll secondary
street-facing ground f loor building façades
must b e c onsidered in t he c alculation
above. This s tandard do es not apply w hen
the widt h of side walk is equ al t o or less
than 10 f eet.
Activate the public realm by placing buildings near streets and public open spaces.
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN
2.3.1 Building Placement
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Guidelines
G1. On medium and large sites, ensure t hat
buildings ar e plac ed p arallel t o t he
street-facing or op en sp ace-facing
property lines t o visu ally fr ame t he s treet
and t he op en sp ace (see Fig. 2.15).
G2. Place bui ldings t o cr eate edg es and
provide de finition f or s treets, public open
spaces, paseos, and POPOS.
G3. Design bui ldings t o maxim ize t heir solar
exposure f or na tural he ating and c ooling
effects by or ienting t hem ac cording t o
the lo cal c limate.
Related Subsections
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
2.3.2 Active F rontages
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext
3.1.3 Historic Adjac ency
4.1.3 Mitigating Blan k W alls
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-2, CD-3, MS-1, MS-2, PR-7
Fig. 2.15 Place bui ldings a long public r ights-of-way and public open spaces to frame t he public realm.
Fig. 2.16 Building frontages requirements f or primary streets and secondary streets on sit es wit h multiple bui ldings su ch as t ownhouses, ap artments, tr iplexes e tc. Continu ous active frontages along s treets ar e s trongly enc ouraged.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
23. SITE
© Image:David Baker Architects, Photo: Bruce Damonte
2.3.2 Active Frontages
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Rationale
Active frontages along s treets and public open
spaces enhance t he visu al int erest and saf ety
of s treets and ne ighborhoods and he lp t o
create a sense of plac e.
Standards
S1. For bui ldings wit h multiple frontages,
when active frontages are pr ovided,
orient t hem b ased on t he f ollowing
priority:
■ Primary streets
■ Public tr ansit
■ Secondary streets
■ Publicly-accessible op en sp aces
■ Alleys or int ernal sit e c irculation
Guidelines
G1. Where appr opriate, use do ors, windows,
and se ating t o e xtend ac tivities int o t he
public realm and t o c onnect bui lding
frontages with streetscapes (see Fig. 2.17
and 2.18).
Additional Gu idelines fo r Ge neral Pl an
Commercial an d In dustrial La nd Us e
Designations
G2. Balance t he desir e f or w ell-lit w orkspaces
and k eeping ne w pr oducts and ide as
secure by lo cating active frontages and
less-sensitive f acilities su ch as c afeteria,
fitness, and lobbies a long t he primary
street façade.
Related Subsections
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Cont ext, and Int ernal
Site Cir culation
2.2.2 Driveways and V ehicle Dr op-offs
2.2.3 Services and Uti lities Ac cess and
Location
2.3.1 Building Plac ement
4.1.3 Mitigating Blan k W alls
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-2, VN-1
Enhance the character of streets and public open spaces by placing active frontages near and around public rights-of-way and with clear visibility of streets, sidewalks, and public open spaces.
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER Fig. 2.17 Locate active frontages (when pr ovided) su ch as r etail s tores and off ice sp aces a long public r ights-of-way.
Fig. 2.18 Locate active frontages (when pr ovided) su ch as f itness and c ommon amen ities a long public r ights-of-way.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
24. SITE
Over 8 s tories
Minimum 25' wide
Minimum 20' wide
7 to 8 stories
Minimum 16' wide
5 to 6 stories
Minimum 12' wide
Up to 4 stories
© Image:David Baker Architects, Photo: Bruce Damonte
Rationale
Paseos are landscaped pedestrian and bic ycle
connections t hrough medium and lar ge blocks
that ar e sep arated fr om v ehicular tr affic and
parking ar eas t o pr ovide enjoy able out door
space, comfortable s hortcuts f or p edestrians
and bic yclists, and incr eased ac cess t o t he
adjacent ne ighborhoods.
Standards
S1. Paseos must b e a t le ast (see Fig. 2.19):
■ 12 feet wide, w hen fr onted by
buildings up t o f our s tories h igh.
■ 16 feet wide, w hen fr onted by one or
more bui ldings t hat ar e f ive t o six
stories h igh .
■ 20 feet wide, w hen fr onted by one or
more bui ldings t hat ar e se ven t o e ight
stories h igh .
■ 25 feet wide, w hen fr onted by one or
more bui ldings ov er e ight s tories h igh.
S2. Paseos must hav e a m inimum e ight-foot-
wide travel path.
S3. Where paseos are c overed by bui ldings,
they mus t hav e a t le ast 20 f eet of he ight
clearance fr om gr ound t o c eiling. F or
buildings t aller t han six s tories, t he he ight
of a c overed paseo must b e 34 f eet or
more. In addition, tr ellises, dec ks,
balconies, and sunshades extending fr om
a bui lding and pr ojecting in a paseo must
provide a m inimum he ight c learance of
10 feet (see Fig. 2.23).
S4. If t he paseo is int ended f or public use, a
pathway easement (PE) must b e
dedicated t o t he City .
Guidelines
G1. Paseos may hav e bui lt sp ace a bove or
below t hem, so long as t hey ar e op en t o
public dur ing bui lding op erations,
appear c learly op en t o t he public, and
are visu ally saf e wit h lig hting le vels a t
least equiv alent t o adjac ent public open
spaces or s treets.
G2. Maintain end -to-end visi bility and ac cess
for a ll paseos and pr ovide active
frontages that cr eate eyes-on-the-street
(see Fig. 2.21 and 2.22).
G3. Incorporate p edestrian amen ities su ch as
seating, human-scale lighting, and
signage f or wayfinding (see Fig. 2.21).
Create paseos through medium and large sites to improve the circulation network and increase travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN
2.3.3 Paseo Placement and Design
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.19 Maintain t he m inimum widt h f or paseos based on t he he ight of t he bui ldings fr onting t hem.
Fig. 2.20 A m inimum 8-f oot travel path provides
comfortable mov ement sp ace f or p edestrians
and bic yclists.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
25. SITE
Minimum 10'
G4. If paseos are a lso used f or Fir e
Department ac cess, t hey s hould b e
designed wit h landscaping, paving,
temporary seating, and lig hting t o
provide qu ality sp aces su ch t hat t hey do
not int erfere wit h ac cess r outes.
Related Subsections
2.3.4 Open Sp ace Plac ement and Ac cess
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
General Plan Reference
CD-3, CD-5, LU-9, PR-7, TR-2
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.21 Maintain end -to-end visi bility t hrough paseos and pr ovide p edestrian amen ities su ch as se ating and human-scale lighting.
Fig. 2.22 Provide publicly-accessible paseos
for p edestrian and bic ycle ac cess t o
and t hrough de velopment sit es.
Fig. 2.23 Articulate building façades along paseos and provide a m inimum of 10 f eet he ight c learance
between paseos and bui lding e lements li ke
balconies, trellises, and sunshades.
Fig. 2.24 Use paseos to create s horter blocks and inc orporate pedestrian amen ities su ch as se ating and lig hting.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
26. SITE
Commercial building
Common open space
POPOS
Active frontages along POPOS
Pedestrian c onnections b etween
buildings and op en sp aces
Mixed-use building
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
© Image:David Baker Architects, Photo: Bruce Damonte
2.3.4 Open Space Placement and Access
Rationale
Well-placed op en sp aces c an supp ort qu ality
connections and active uses, provide
transitions b etween v arious uses, and b e a
destination f or r ecreation, g atherings, and
community ac tivities.
Open sp aces c an b e divided int o f our
categories:
■ Privately-Owned (and maintained) Public
Open Spaces (POPOS)
■ Semi-Private Open Spaces
■ Common Open Spaces
■ Private Open Spaces
Standards
S1. Where pr ovided, lo cate POPOS such that
they ar e physic ally and visu ally
connected t o a t le ast one s treet or public
open space and physic ally ac cessible
from lobbies, amen ity ar eas, and
pedestrian and bic ycle entr ances f acing
the sp ace via w alkways or p edestrian
paths (see Fig. 2.25).
S2. Where common open spaces are provided
on a medium or large site, ensure t hat a ll
buildings hav e physic al ac cess t o a t le ast
one of t hem via w alkways or p edestrian
paths fr om inside of t he bui ldings.
S3. Where pr ovided, plac e POPOS and
semi-private open spaces within tw o
vertical feet of gr ade fr om t he adjac ent
sidewalk.
S4. Where pr ovided and w here bui lding
façades face a POPOS, place active
frontages along a t le ast 50 p ercent of t he
ground f loor.
Guidelines
G1. Create semi-private open spaces to
transition b etween t he public realm and
ground-floor bui lding uses, su ch as
residences, retail storefronts, and
administrative indus trial op erations.
G2. When provided, cre ate visua l connec tions
between common and private open
spaces and t he public realm using portals
or ot her tr ansparent ma terials.
G3. Incorporate POPOS and semi-private
open spaces into a ne twork of p edestrian
connections b etween a ll t he bui ldings on
site (see Fig. 2.26 and 2.27).
Related Subsections
4.2.1 Privately-Owned (and Ma intained) Public
Open Sp ace Design
4.2.2 Common and Priv ate Open Spac e Design
General Plan Reference
LU-9, PR-7, TR-2, VN-5
Open spaces define community character, enhance pedestrian circulation, and highlight local destinations.
ANALYZE CONTEXT , DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.26 A POPOS located a t t he bui lding entr ance towards t he s treet.
Fig. 2.28 A common open space allows bui lding
occupants t o int eract wit h e ach ot her.
Fig. 2.27 A semi-private open space.
Fig. 2.25 When op en sp aces ar e physic ally or visu ally c onnected t o t he bui ldings on a de velopment t hey enc ourage active uses and c ommunity ac tivities. The y a lso pr ovide an opp ortunity f or qu ality tr ansitions b etween v arious uses, on-site bui ldings, and t he surr ounding context.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
27. SITE
© Image: Thumbtack Headquarters
2.3.5 Bicycle Parking Placement
Rationale
Providing ac cessible, secur e, and pr otected
bicycle p arking and ot her supp ort f acilities is
an imp ortant s tep t oward ma king bic ycling a
convenient, seamless, and pr eferred mo de of
transportation.
Should on-sit e p arking ar eas b ecome
necessary f or ne w tr ansportation de vices su ch
as e lectric sc ooters, t hey s hould f ollow t he
guidelines pr ovided in t his subsec tion.
Bicycle p arking f alls int o tw o c ategories:
■ Short-Term - f or visit ors, gu ests, and
business p atrons.
■ Long-Term - f or t enants and o ccupants of
a bui lding or de velopment.
Standards
S1. Locate a t le ast 40 p ercent of t he r equired
bicycle p arking on t he gr ound f loor wit h
direct physic al ac cess t o an e levator or
building e xit.
S2. Place bic ycle p arking so t hat bic yclists do
not hav e t o cr oss v ehicular p arking or
drive a isles t o ent er t he bui lding.
S3. When pr ovided out side t he bui lding,
long-term bic ycle p arking mus t b e wit hin
50 feet of a t le ast one bui lding entr ance
for small sites and wit hin 100 f eet of a t
least one bui lding entr ance f or medium
and large sites.
S4. When lo cated out side t he bui lding,
connect bic ycle p arking t o t he p edestrian
network by pr oviding a m inimum
five-foot-wide p athway or w alkway
between t hem.
Guidelines
G1. Locate s hort-term bic ycle p arking su ch
that it is easily ac cessible, w ell-lit, and
clearly visi ble .
G2. Provide a t le ast one of t he f ollowing
amenities in s hort-term bic ycle p arking
areas: lounges, repair s tations, lo ckers,
changing r ooms, and s howers, in
residential (only f or employ ees),
mixed-use, commercial, and indus trial
developments.
Locate bicycle parking in safe and convenient places near building entrances.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN G3. Add lig hting and video sur veillance t o
long-term bi ke p arking.
G4. Allocate sp ace f or c argo-bikes, and
electric bi kes a t t he gr ound-floor le vel.
G5. For multif amily de velopments wit h
bicycle p arking in e ach dw elling un it,
provide an additiona l bic ycle p arking
area f or employ ees and visit ors.
Related Subsections
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Ac cess L ocation
2.2.2 Driveways and V ehicle Dr op-offs
General Plan Reference
TR-1, TR-2, TR-11
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.29 Bicycle p arking wit hin t he loung e of a c ommercial bui lding.
Fig. 2.30 Uncovered s hort-term bic ycle p arking t hat doubles as public art .
Fig. 2.31 Bicycle s torage inside a bui lding.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
28. SITE
Screen p arking fr om public
realm using landscaping
and ar chitectural f eatures
First p arking s tall a t le ast
20' from b ack of side walk
for a dr iveway fr om
secondary street
Permeable p aving in sp aces
near plant ers t o f acilitate
stormwater manag ement
At le ast a 5' wide
pedestrian w alkway
A p edestrian w alkway f or a t
least e very 200'
Align landscape areas and
walking p aths wit h bui lding
entrances
Rationale
A w ell-designed p arking lot b enefits b oth
visitors and o ccupants of de velopments. It
provides e asy ac cess and c irculation f or
residents, employees, or visit ors, as w ell as
pedestrians, bicyclists, and de liveries t o t he
development.
Standards
For S1 and S2 b elow, City of San José
Department of Public Wor ks may r equire
greater dis tances t han t hese m inimums a t t he
time of de velopment r eview.
S1. For medium and large sites, place t he
first p arking s tall a t le ast 30 f eet aw ay
from t he dr iveway w hen ac cessing a
parking lot fr om a primary street to allow
cars t o s tack on sit e r ather t han in t he
street.
S2. Place t he f irst p arking s tall a t le ast 20 f eet away fr om t he dr iveway w hen ac cessing
a p arking lot fr om a secondary street,
alley, or private street (see Fig. 2.32).
S3. Screen a t le ast 75 p ercent of surf ace
parking fr om primary streets, secondary
streets, public open spaces, and adjac ent
sites wit h Mix ed-Use and R esidential
General Plan land use designa tions using
landscaping or t hree-foot-tall
architectural elements t hat (a t le ast one
of t he f ollowing):
■ Utilize t he same ma terials, c olors, and
lighting f ixtures as t he sit e or bui lding
façades on t he pr operty f or a t le ast 75
percent of t he ar ea.
■ Are c overed wit h landscaping or public
art f or a t le ast 75 p ercent of t he t otal
length a long public open spaces,
primary streets, and secondary streets.
S4. Provide a f ive-foot-wide p edestrian
walkway, at m inimum, t o c onnect
buildings and p arking or ot her w alkways
for a t le ast e very 200 f eet (see Fig. 2.32).
S5. Parking ar eas lo cated in t he fr ont setback
area or a t t he fr ont pr operty line mus t b e
less t han 25 p ercent of t he sit e frontage
along primary streets and public open
spaces and less t han 40 p ercent of t he
Surface parking areas should not interfere with walkability and urban vitality.
2.3.6 Vehicular Parking Placement and Surface Parking Design site frontage along secondary and
private streets.
Guidelines
G1. On c orner lot s, lo cate p arking f acilities
towards secondary streets and aw ay fr om
primary streets, building entr ances, and
public w alkways.
G2. Combine p arking ar eas, dr iveways, and
circulation r outes f or adjoin ing sit es t o
reduce t he amount of sp ace dedic ated t o
vehicular uses (see Fig. 2.33).
G3. When pr ovided, p avers s hould hav e a
high albedo surface t o m itigate t hermal
loading and r educe he at is land e ffects.
G4. Vary t he c olor and t exture of p aving
materials t o dis tinguish p edestrian and
vehicular ar eas, impr ove p edestrian
safety, and m inimize aspha lt usag e,
using c olored, t extured, or p atterned
concrete p avers or aggr egate.
G5. Integrate green stormwater infrastructure
and Low Impact Development (LID)
infrastructure int o p arking lot design.
G6. Maintain dr iver visi bility w hile ent ering or
exiting a de velopment sit e fr om t he
public realm by k eeping t he sides of t he
driveway c lear of landscaping and
screening e lements a t dr iver's e ye le vel.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN Related Subsections
2.2.2 Driveways and V ehicle Dr op-offs
3.2.2 Vehicular Entr ances and Dr iveways
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
General Plan Reference
CD-1, ER-8, MS-3, TR-1, TR-8
SECONDARY
STREET
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.32 Provide p edestrian c onnections t hrough p arking lot s and inc orporate Low Impact Development strategies (LID) into parking lot design.
Fig. 2.33 Connect p arking lot s and c arports t o
buildings wit h saf e and a ttractive p edestrian
walkways.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
29. SITE
Distance fr om pr operty line
Residential
Retail Office
H < 1/2 x dis tance fr om
property line (25' max .)
12' to 16'
12' maximum
Property line
Rationale
Effective and a ttractive lig hting cr eates saf e and
lively envir onments f or p edestrians, bic yclists,
vehicles, residents, and visit ors w hile m itigating
light p ollution.
Standards
S1. Orient a ll sit e lig hting dir ectly downw ards
to prevent lig ht p ollution and e xcess g lare
in the public realm (see Fig. 2.35).
S2. Illuminate a z one of a maximum of f ive
feet in fr ont of t he gr ound f loor façade for
all active frontages such as r etail, off ices,
and c ommunity r ooms.
S3. In General Plan Residential and Mix ed-Use
land use designa tions, t he he ight of a
lighting f ixture mus t b e (see Fig. 2.34):
■ Up to three f eet f or walking paths
through op en sp ace.
■ Up to 12 feet, when t he dis tance of t he
fixture fr om t he adjac ent r esidential
property line is less t han twic e t he
height of t he f ixture.
■ Up to 25 feet, when t he dis tance of t he
fixture fr om t he adjac ent s hared
property line is mor e t han twic e t he
height of t he f ixture.
■ 12 to 16 feet t all w hen adjac ent t o r etail.
S4. At le ast one p edestrian and bic ycle
circulation r oute mus t hav e an un broken
line of lig hting fr om sit e entr ance t o t he
building entr ance.
S5. Fully i lluminate a ll ser vice y ards and
access t o ser vices and uti lities.
S6. All site lig hting f ixtures mus t b e fully
shielded (full cut -off) t o pr event lig ht fr om
aiming s kyward and lig ht spi llage and
glare t hat c an b e seen fr om a bove.
S7. Keep the maximum c olor t emperature f or
outdoor lighting be low 2700 Ke lvin, ex cept
for out door dec orative lig hting fr om
November 15 t o Janu ary 15.
Additional Standards fo r Ge neral Pl an
Commercial an d In dustrial La nd Us e
Designations
S8. When adjac ent t o a r esidential
development, lighting f ixtures f or
2.3.7 Site Lighting
Use lighting to create energetic, safe, and inviting public spaces.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN commercial, industrial, or qu asi-public
developments mus t b e less t han 40-f eet
tall, irrespective of t he dis tance fr om t he
common pr operty line.
Guidelines
G1. Design lig hting f or a ll op en sp aces,
parking lot s, p edestrian p aths, and
landscaping t o b e c onsistent wit h e ach
other and t he ov erall lig hting sc heme f or
the de velopment sit e (see Fig. 2.35).
G2. Install lighting t hat c onsistently and
evenly i lluminates side walks in and
around gr ound f loor ac tive fr ontages.
G3. Install energy-efficient lig hting f ixtures
that pr ovide an adequ ate le vel of lig hting
for t he saf ety of bui lding o ccupants and
visitors, without spi lling ont o adjac ent
properties.
G4. Ensure adequ ate lig ht le vels in uti lity and
service ar eas and entr ances.
G5. Use day light sensor s f or sit e lig hting t o
limit e xcess lig hting and c onserve ener gy.
G6. Avoid f lood-lighting, LED f lashing, or
strobe lig hts.
G7. Choose f ixtures wit h Backlight, Uplight,
and Glare (BUG) rating of B0, U0, G0.
G8. Dim or turn off out door lig hting fr om
11pm t o 6am.
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Related Subsections
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
3.3.8 Architectural Lighting
4.3.1 Public Art in Pr ivate De velopment
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-2, CD-5, MS-2, MS-21, TR-2
Fig. 2.34 Provide sit e lig hting a t multiple le vels t hat is sensitiv e t o adjac ent uses.
Fig. 2.35 Orient sit e lig hting t owards t he bui lding envelope or dir ectly downw ards.
Fig. 2.36 Illuminate façades facing op en sp aces,
paseos, and POPOS to create an inviting
environment.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
30. SITE
Minimum 20' fr om tr ee
center t o bui lding edg e f or
large trees
Minimum 12' fr om tr ee
center t o bui lding edg e f or
medium trees
Common open space
Surface p arking ar ea
on sit e
Total tree canopy
cover at maturity
Site ar ea s haded by
canopy cover
Proposed tr ees
Existing tr eesMax. 25'
Max. 20'
Max. 35'
Max. 75%
of (S+L)'
BUILDING
L'
M' S'
Large
tree
Medium tree Small tree
Max.
75%
of (M+S)'
Max. 75%
of (M+L)'
Rationale
Landscaping softens op en sp aces and
buildings t o cr eate w elcoming plac es and
reinforces sit e or ganization and c irculation
paths. Green stormwater infrastructure and
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques
when used f or landscaping can cr eate un ique
features, manage s tormwater, and en hance
environmental quality and c haracter of
developments.
Standards
S1. Select tr ees w hich a t maturity create a
tree canopy cover that shades a min imum
of 50 p ercent of e ach on-sit e surf ace
parking ar ea, common open space at the
ground f loor, and Privately-owned (and
maintained) Public Open Space
(see Fig. 2.37).
S2. Tree w ells mus t b e a t le ast f our f eet lar ger than t he tr ee trun k diame ter a t maturity.
S3. Designate 700 cubic f eet of non-
compacted soil for small trees, 1400 cubic
feet of non-compacted soil for medium
trees, and 2100 cubic f eet of non-
compacted soil for large trees to allow
trees t o r each t heir maturity. Structural
soil systems, soil cells, or continuous
trenches are e xample of w ays t o r each t o
the a bove soi l v olumes.
S4. When planting tr ees on green roofs or
above under ground p arking, pr ovide a
minimum soi l dept h of 36 inc hes and soi l
volume f or e ach tr ee as identif ied in S3.
S5. Provide the following min imum dist ances
from t he c enter of tr ees t o t he edg es of
buildings f or a ll tr ees t o r each maturity
and t o pr event unnec essary tr ee r emoval
(see Fig. 2.37):
■ Five f eet f or small trees,
■ 12 feet f or medium trees, and
■ 20 feet f or large trees.
S6. Provide a maximum dis tance of 20 f eet
on c enter f or small trees, 25 feet f or
medium trees, and 35 f eet f or large trees,
or 75 p ercent of t he mature canopy size
distance f or e ach tr ee typ e me asured
from t he c enter. L ocate ne w s treet tr ees
2.3.8 Landscaping and Stormwater Management
and ne w on-sit e tr ees in r elation t o
existing s treet tr ees and on-sit e tr ees t o
be r etained t o mee t t hese maximum
spacing dimensions (see Fig. 2.38).
S7. Provide m inimum v ertical c learance f or
tree canopies at maturity as f ollows:
■ 14 feet in and ar ound ser vice and
loading ar eas and dr iveways,
■ 12 feet f or p arking lot s, and
■ Eight f eet f or tr ee canopies
immediately adjac ent t o side walks
and p atios.
S8. Utilize a t le ast 50 p ercent of t he t otal
landscaped area on a de velopment sit e
for LID site design me asures, sour ce
Create welcoming places and enhance the quality of the environment with sustainable landscaping areas.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN controls, and green stormwater
infrastructure, including but not lim ited
to bioretention, rain g ardens, LID
planters, and p ermeable p avers
(see Fig. 2.39 and 2.40).
Additional Standards fo r Ge neral Pl an
Commercial an d In dustrial La nd Us e
Designations
S9. Provide a t le ast a f ive-foot-wide
landscape buffer a t t he side and r ear
property lines and a f ive-foot-tall solid
wall/concrete fence at t he s hared
property lines w here Commer cial or
Mixed-Use General Plan land use
designations a but R esidential General
Plan land use designa tions.
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.37 Select tr ees t o cr eate a canopy cover t hat s hades a m inimum of 50 p ercent of a ll on-sit e p arking ar eas and common open spaces.
Fig. 2.38 Locate ne w tr ees in r elation t o e xisting ones t o lim it t he sp acing b etween diff erent tr ee typ es t o a maximum of 75 percent of t he t otal mature canopy size dis tance f or e ach tr ee typ e c enter t o c enter.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
31. SITE
© Image:David Baker Architects, Photo: Bruce Damonte
S10. Provide a landscape buffer of a t le ast 10
feet a t t he side and r ear pr operty lines and
a f ive- t o se ven-foot-tall solid wall/concrete
fence where Indus trial General Plan land
use designa tions a but R esidential General
Plan land use designa tions.
Guidelines
G1. Provide na tive tr ees, s hrubs, and gr ound
cover f or sit e landscaping and surf ace
parking ar eas.
G2. Provide suspended pavement for sit e
design and p arking ar eas t o he lp pr otect
trees and g et t o maturity.
G3. Plant a t le ast one na tive Oa k tr ee on large
sites and pr ovide appr opriate sp acing
between ne w adjac ent Oa k tr ees.
G4. For medium and large development sites,
create p edestrian w alkways and bic ycle
paths t hat pr ovide e asy ac cess t o and
through t he de velopment sit e fr om public
rights-of-way.
G5. Use landscaping to define on-sit e
circulation and h ighlight f ocal p oints,
building entr ances, and op en sp aces, su ch
as POPOS and semi-private open spaces.
For e xample, tr ee-lined w alkways and
special paving ma terials c an s hape
entrances, plazas, and ac tivity ar eas
(see Fig. 2.39 and 2.42).
G6. Protect plant s in h igh tr affic ar eas, su ch as
retail centers and r esidential c ommunity
spaces, with r aised cur bs, se at w alls, tr ee
guards, and/or ot her de vices (see Fig. 2.39
and 2.41).
G7. Use a m ix of tr ees, s hrubs, and gr ound
cover in t he tr ansition ar ea b etween
buildings and side walks t o ma intain visu al
connections.
G8. Do not cr eate a non-func tional c ontinuous
vegetated b arrier b etween s treets and
buildings t hat imp edes c irculation and
access t o bui ldings.
G9. Use p ermeable or p orous p aving ma terials
in p arking ar eas t o r educe s tormwater
runoff. Avoid plac ing p ermeable and/ or
decorative p aving ma terials in t he p ath of
travel of w aste c ollection v ehicles.
G10. Include out door r ecreational f acilities,
furniture, seating, and amen ities, su ch as
sport c ourts and p ar c ourts, as p arts of
project landscape design and t o de fine
on-site c irculation (see Fig. 2.39).
G11. Restrict t he use of turf and artif icial gr ass, which c an b e c ontributors of m icroplastics
into the envir onment.
Related Subsections
4.2.1 Privately-Owned (and Ma intained) Public
Open Sp ace Design
4.2.2 Common and Pr ivate Op en Sp ace Design
General Plan Reference
CD-5, ER-8, MS-18, MS-21, TR-1
2.3 SITE ORGANIZATION, PLANNING, AND DESIGN
Fig. 2.39 Outdoor r ecreational f acilities and se ating designed as p art of t he landscape help to define on-sit e c irculation.
LID planters wit h na tive plant s and p ermeable p avers he lp t o m itigate s tormwater and en hance t he c haracter of t he de velopment and qu ality of op en sp aces.
Fig. 2.40 LID planters he lp manag e sit e s tormwater runoff as w ell as run-off fr om bui lding r oofs
using downsp outs.
Fig. 2.41 Incorporate se ating int o landscape designs and pr otect plant s in h igh tr affic ar eas wit h
raised cur bs, tr ee gu ards, or ot her de vices.
Fig. 2.42 Use landscaping to define on-sit e c irculation and op en sp aces.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
32. 3.1 Massing
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext............. 34
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale ................ 36
3.1.3 Historic Adjac ency.......................... 37
3.2 Access and Entr ance Design
3.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Entr ances Design..... 38
3.2.2 Vehicular Entr ances and Dr iveways . . . . . . . . . . 40
3.2.3 Services and Uti lities Entr ances and Design . . 41
3.3 Building Element s
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion.............. 42
3.3.2 Roofs and P arapets......................... 44
3.3.3 Decks and Ba lconies........................ 46
3.3.4 Awnings, Sunshades, and Scr eens ........... 47
3.3.5 Parking Gar age Design ...................... 48
3.3.6 Bird Saf ety ................................. 50
3.3.7 Materials and Color......................... 51
3.3.8 Architectural Lighting ....................... 52
3.3.9 Signage .................................... 53
3.0 Building
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
33. BUILDING
© Image:BruceDamonte
Site
(Chapter 2)
Building
(Chapter 3)
Pedestrian Level
(Chapter 4)
Well-designed and sustainable buildings
reduce imp act on c limate c hange and ar e
attractive, functional, and eng aging t o t heir
occupants as w ell as obser vers. The y
functionally and aes thetically c onnect wit h
their surr oundings. The y a lign ac cess and
entrances wit h adjac ent c irculation r outes and
are int entionally designed t o supp ort ac tive
streets and public sp aces.
The visu al imp act of bui ldings needs t o b e
carefully planned wit h articulated façades,
clear func tions, and a human-scale presence.
Their ov erall massing, combined wit h de tails
such as on-sit e public art , b alconies, and
well-placed entr ances, cr eate bui ldings t hat
are w elcoming t o b oth o ccupants and p eople
walking by . Eff iciency and mo deration in t he
use of ma terials, ener gy, and t he de velopment
of sp aces c an a lso m inimize t he ne gative
environmental impact of bui ldings.
Introduction
This c hapter discusses s tandards and
guidelines f or bui lding massing, access and
entrance design, bui lding e lements, and
public art in pr ivate de velopments.
Building design wit h articulated façade and active frontage.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
34. BUILDING
Massing transition t owards
low density de velopments
Corner t ower, big windows, and diff erent
material treatment f or gateway sites
Plazas and POPOS for c orner
lots and gateway sites
Major bulk of t he de velopment
located t owards primary street
Massing articulated to reflect t he sc ale of
surrounding de velopment
Maximum bui lding env elope as
allowed by Z oning Or dinance
Extension of bui lding b eyond
stepback plane within maximum
building env elope
Maximum allowed height before
stepback plane begins
Stepback Plane
© Image: Studio T -Square
B' less t han or
equal to 25% of A '
3.1.1 Massing Relationship to Context
3.1 MASSING
Rationale
As t he City of San José c ontinues t o gr ow, t he
architecture of ne w bui ldings needs t o
respond t o t he surr oundings and pr ovide a
transition b etween old and ne w plac es t o
support a c ohesive ne ighborhood.
Standards
The f ollowing r equirements apply t o b oth S1
and S2 b elow:
■ For bui lding frontage along public
rights-of-way, start t he stepback plane
at t he int ersection of t he fr ont setback
line wit h t he maximum allowed height
for t he sit e acr oss t he public r ight-of-
way, or a t a he ight equiv alent t o t he
maximum widt h of t he public
right-of-way, whichever is gr eater.
■ For bui lding frontage along a r ear
shared pr operty line, s tart t he
stepback plane from t he int ersection
of t he r ear setback line wit h t he
maximum allowed height for t he sit e t o
the r ear.
■ Each bui lding stepback must b e a
minimum of six f eet in dept h.
S1. Outside General Plan growth areas,
provide bui lding stepbacks fronting r ear
shared pr operty lines wit hin a stepback
plane of 60 de grees fr om hor izontal (see
Fig. 3.3) and fr onting public r ights-of-way
within a stepback plane of 75 de grees
from hor izontal (see Fig. 3.5).
S2. Within General Plan growth areas,
provide bui lding stepbacks from r ear
shared pr operty lines and public
rights-of-way wit hin a stepback plane of
75 degrees fr om hor izontal (see Fig. 3.4,
3.5, and 3.6).
S3. Intrusion int o t he stepback plane up to
the a llowable maximum allowed height is
allowed f or up t o 25 p ercent of t he
building massing (see Fig. 3.2).
Design building massing to transition to the scale of the surroundings.
SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER A'
B'
Fig. 3.1 Locate ac tivities t o c omplement e xisting ne arby uses, design bui ldings t o f ollow pr evailing setbacks, and articulate building massing to match t he sc ale of adjac ent de velopments.
Fig. 3.2 A p ortion of bui lding massing can b e e xtended b eyond t he stepback plane if it is wit hin t he maximum bui lding envelope and is not gr eater t han 25 p ercent of t he t otal bui lding frontage.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
35. BUILDING
Setbacks as r equired
by General Plan or
Zoning Or dinance
New de velopment
or P ermit
Amendment
Development
across r ight-of-way
Property line
Setbacks as r equired
by General Plan or
Zoning Or dinance
Street widt h
Maximum allowed
height
Existing bui lding
height
Stepback Plane
75 o
45 o
New de velopment or
Permit Amendment
Development
across r ight-of-way
Property line
New de velopment or
Permit Amendment
Street widt h
New de velopment or
Permit Amendment
Maximum allowed height
Existing bui lding he ight
Stepback Plane
Setbacks as r equired by
General Plan or Z oning
Ordinance
75 o
Neighboring
development
Maximum allowed height
60 o
Stepback Plane
Minimum 6' stepback to stay
within the stepback plane
Rear s hared pr operty line
Setbacks as r equired by
General Plan or Z oning
Ordinance
Neighboring
development
Maximum allowed height
75 o
Existing bui lding he ight
Stepback Plane
Rear s hared pr operty line
Guidelines
G1. Locate t he major bulk of bui lding
massing towards primary streets and
transit s tops, su ch as bus s tops, lig ht r ail,
and tr ain s tations (see Fig. 3.1).
Specific Surr ounding Adjac encies
G2. Gateway Sites - Cr eate sp ecial e lements
such as c orner t owers, plaz as, and/ or
bold signag e f or de velopments on
gateway sites to signify t he imp ortance of
the ne ighborhood, plac e, or c orridor
(see Fig. 3.1).
G3. Historic Adjacency - Scale t he he ight and
massing of ne w de velopments t o b e
compatible wit h and av oid dom inating
nearby historic and civic structures
(see Subsection 3.1.3 Historic Adjacency
for mor e s tandards and guide lines.)
3.1 MASSING
Related Subsections
2.1.1 Site, Surrounding Cont ext, and
Internal Site Cir culation
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.1.3 Historic Adjac ency
General Plan Reference
CD-3, CD-4, CD-10, LU-9, LU-11, LU-13, LU-17
Fig. 3.4 Within General Plan growth areas, follow t he stepback plane to shape bui lding massing towards t he r ear s hared pr operty lines.
Fig. 3.3 Outside General Plan growth areas, follow t he stepback plane to shape building massing towards t he r ear s hared pr operty lines.
Fig. 3.5 Within and out side General Plan growth areas, when public r ight-of-way widt h is mor e t han t he maximum allowed height for t he bui lding acr oss t he right-of-way, the stepback plane starts a t t he maximum allowed building height equal to the r ight-of-way widt h.
Fig. 3.6 Within General Plan growth areas, when t he maximum allowed height for t he building acr oss t he public r ight-of-way is mor e t han t he widt h of t he right-of-way, the stepback plane starts a t t he maximum allowed building height of t he opp osite bui lding.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
36. BUILDING
Articulated building c orner wit h
public plaz a
Articulated corner wit h
exaggerated r oof e lement
Architectural break Architectural break
EXISTING BUILDING
Similar p atterns and
façade treatment
Exaggerated c orner massing
with articulation to maintain
proportions sim ilar t o
adjacent de velopment
Min. 10' deep architectural
break (recess)
Min. 15' wide ar chitectural
break (recess)
A
A
B
B
A
NEW MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT
Base
Top
Middle
Massing with sim ilar pr oportions
3.1 MASSING
Buildings with design, form, and massing similar to surrounding buildings support a cohesive urban fabric.
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Scale
Rationale
Building design r equires mo deration in or der
to form a c oherent urban fabric. A p attern of
individual buildings cr eates a c onsistent
backdrop that a llows sp ecial or un ique
landmark buildings su ch as museums and
large c ommercial de velopments t o dr aw
attention. The pr esence of t oo many
individual, unique, and out -of-scale bui ldings
creates an una ttractive ur ban envir onment.
Standards
S1. Buildings a t s treet int ersections wit h
traffic signa ls, t erminus p oints, and op en
spaces mus t inc lude a t le ast tw o of t he
following ar chitectural f eatures f or a
minimum of 20 p ercent of e ach bui lding
frontage along t he s treet (see Fig. 3.7):
■ Corner plaz a.
■ Articulated corner wit h v ertical or
horizontal projections.
■ Taller massing or e xaggerated r oof
elements.
■ Building entr ances wit h a m inimum
recess of t hree f eet.
■ Different façade treatments su ch as
variations in ma terials and c olor.
S2. When t aller massing or e xaggerated r oof
elements ar e pr ovided, t hey c an e xceed
the maximum allowed building height by
up to 15 feet f or a maximum of 10
percent of t he r oof ar ea.
S3. For streetwalls more t han 200 f eet in
length, provide a t le ast one r ecess or
projection in t he façade that is a t le ast:
■ 15 feet wide and 10 f eet deep f or
residential, commercial, and
mixed-use de velopments (see Fig. 3.8).
■ 10 feet wide and 5 f eet deep f or
industrial developments.
Guidelines
G1. Take cu es f or f orm, pr oportions, r oof
forms, and bui lding e lements fr om
nearby bui ldings of sim ilar siz e
(see Fig. 3.8).
Related Subsections
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext
3.1.3 Historic Adjac ency
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
ANALYZE CONTEXT AND PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-4, CD-10, LU-9, LU-11, MS-1, MS-2
Fig. 3.7 Define c orners using articulation, corner plaz a, t aller massing, or e xaggerated r oof e lements and pr ovide significant ar chitectural br eaks in t he bui lding mass t o sculpt t he bui ldings.
Fig. 3.8 Design t he s treet façade to be pr oportional t o t he f orm and sc ale of surr ounding de velopments.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
37. BUILDING
© Image:OJK Architecture + Planning
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, DESIGN EQUIT ABLE PL ACES, A ND S TRENGTHEN C OMMUNITY CHA RACTER
3.1 MASSING
Rationale
The design of ne w de velopments s hould
respect and en hance t he pr ominence of
historic bui ldings t hrough sit e plann ing,
landscape design, massing, building
placement, orientation, and façade patterns.
Similar façade patterns and pr oportions in ne w
buildings assis t in r einforcing t he context of
historic bui ldings in t he vic inity, e ven acr oss
different ar chitectural s tyles.
Applicability
The s tandards and guide lines b elow apply t o
all development sit es wit h a t le ast one of t he
following c onditions:
■ At le ast 50 p ercent of bui ldings fully or
partially wit hin 200 f eet ar e on t he San
José His toric R esources Inv entory (HRI)
or ar e e ligible f or HRI lis ting.
■ The sit e is wit hin 100 f eet of a
Designated or Candida te City Landmar k
or c ontributor t o a dis trict or
conservation ar ea.
■ The sit e is adjac ent t o a h istoric bui lding
on t he His toric R esources Inv entory (HRI)
or e ligible f or HRI lis ting.
Standards
S1. Design bui ldings t hat ar e t aller t han t he
adjacent h istoric bui ldings su ch t hat t he
new massing located on t he same
property or t hat s hares a pr operty line
with t he h istoric bui lding s teps down t o it s
height, irrespective of t he ot her
surrounding bui ldings (see Fig. 3.10).
S2. Locate the streetwall of ne w bui ldings
within f ive f eet of t he streetwall of
adjacent h istoric bui ldings on t he same
side of t he s treet t o ma intain c ontinuity.
S3. Use h istoric ma terials t hat ma tch ne arby
historic bui ldings on a t le ast 25 p ercent of
a s treet, paseo or public open space facing
façade and on 10 p ercent of ot her façades
that ar e visi ble fr om t he public realm.
Historic ma terials inc lude masonr y, br ick,
limestone, terra c otta, c ast s tone, mosa ic,
concrete, and w ood (tr im, f inishes, and
ornament on ly) (see Fig. 3.9).
Historic buildings provide context and character to communities.
3.1.3 Historic Adjacency
Guidelines
G1. Provide gr ound f loor he ights f or a ll ne w
developments sim ilar t o t he ne arby
historic s tructures, w hile ma intaining t he
minimum gr ound f loor he ights r equired
in 4.1.1 Commer cial F rontages - S6.
G2. Articulate the bui lding façade and use
elements li ke windows, b ays, sunshades,
and do ors t o cr eate façade patterns
similar in sc ale and pr oportion t o h istoric
buildings in t he surr ounding ar ea.
G3. New int erpretations of h istoric and
existing c ivic bui lding s tyles ar e
encouraged. However, avoid dir ect
mimicry and im itation.
Height of t he
building mass
adjacent t o a
historic bui lding
is dr opped
down t o ma tch
the he ight
New bui lding façade
material matches t he
scale and p attern of
that used in t he
historic bui lding
Material used in
historic bui lding
G4. Protect and en hance vie ws t o e xisting
historic bui ldings fr om t he public realm.
Related Subsections
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-4, LU-9, LU-13, LU-14, LU-15, LU-16
Fig. 3.9 Materials f or s treet-facing façade of ne w de velopments sim ilar t o t he adjac ent h istoric bui lding.
Fig. 3.10 Building massing stepped down adjac ent t o a h istoric bui lding t o tr ansition fr om t he sc ale of t he de velopment to the sc ale of t he h istoric bui lding.
© Image: Arun Janakiraman
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
38. BUILDING
OR
RECESSED GROUND FLOOR UNIT ENTRANCE RESIDENTIAL ENTRANCE WITH PROJECTED ROOF Railing / L ow
height w alls
Railing / L ow
height w alls
Min. 6' wide
Min. 6' wide
Min. 4' deep
Min. 4' deep
Primary building
entrance
Secondary building
entrance
Service
entrance
Individual dwelling
unit entr ances
Garage
entrance
Safe, high-quality, and accessible pedestrian and bicycle entrances create active frontages.
3.2 ACCESS AND ENTRANCE DESIGN
3.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances Design
Rationale
Building entr ances ar e do orways, s tairways,
landings, porches, and other element s tha t add
visual character t o t he streetscape. They ar e
critical for cr eating w elcoming c onnections
between t he pr ivate and public realms.
Well-designed and e asily-accessible bui lding
entrances ar e inviting t o p eople and ma ke
neighborhoods mor e ple asant.
Standards
S1. Provide a t le ast one bui lding entr ance
along a public s treet or ac tive p edestrian
area f or a ll bui ldings wit h multiple ac cess
points, all buildings wit h ov er 200 f eet of
frontage along s treets and public open
spaces, and a ll r esidential de velopments
with ov er 50 un its.
S2. The primary building entrance must b e
directly accessible from t he public realm
and mee t t he r equirements of t he
Americans wit h Disa bilities Ac t (A DA).
S3. Recess a ll bui lding entr ances t hat op en
towards a side walk by a m inimum of
three f eet t o pr otect p edestrians fr om
bumping int o do ors op ening outw ards.
If t he do ors op en inw ards, no r ecess is
required, but pr ovide a pr ojecting or
arching c over a t le ast t hree f eet deep f or
protection fr om w eather and opp ortunity
for addr esses and additiona l signag e
(see Fig. 3.16).
S4. When gr ound f loor dwelling units with
direct access from t he public realm are
raised, raise t hem by a m inimum of one
foot and a maximum of f our f eet a bove
the public realm (see Fig. 3.13).
S5. Provide an additiona l entr ance f or a ll
ground-floor, ADA-accessible dwelling
units from t he inside of t he bui lding w hen
the on ly ot her entr ance f aces t he public
realm and is r aised fr om t he gr ound (as in
the c ase of s toops) . If su ch ac cess c annot
be pr ovided du e t o sit e c onstraints, do
not raise the public realm-facing entrance.
S6. If sit e c onstraints pr event gr ound f loor
dwelling units' doors fr om b eing r aised,
recess do ors a t le ast t hree f eet b eyond
DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER, SUPPOR T C ONNECTIVITY, A ND PRO VIDE QU ALITY DESIGN the bui lding façade or setback. This
standard do es not apply t o sit es t hat
slope mor e t han t hree f eet a long a sing le
building façade or pr operty line.
S7. All occupied front y ard p atios f or
residential units me ant t o hav e out door
furniture mus t b e a t le ast f our f eet deep
and six f eet wide (see Fig. 3.12 and 3.15).
S8. The he ight of low w alls, scr eens,
transparent r ailings, or hedg es f or
enclosed fr ont y ard p atios or c ommercial
outdoor din ing sp ace mus t not e xceed
four f eet (see Fig. 3.12 and 3.14).
S9. Railings t hat ar e used f or s toops and
porches s hould b e a maximum f our f eet
tall and pr ovide a m inimum 50 p ercent
transparency t o t he public realm.
Guidelines
G1. Provide dis tinct, sep arate entr ances f or
residential, commercial, and indus trial
uses in mixed-use developments
(see Fig. 3.13).
G2. All building entr ances s hould b e
well-defined, easy-to-find, and inviting t o
people of a ll mobi lity and a bility le vels.
Fig. 3.11 Provide s toops, p orches, and p atios f or r esidential de velopments a long side walks and paseos.
Fig. 3.12 Design individu al r esidential entr ances wit h r ecessed or pr ojected r oofs.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
39. BUILDING
Primary multif amily
residence p edestrian and
bicycle entr ance
Commercial pedestrian
and bic ycle entr ance
Individual residential
entrances r aised 4' a bove
the side walk
© Image:KEVIN SCOTT
3.2 ACCESS AND ENTRA NCE DESIGN
G3. Residential lobbies, corridors, and
circulation r outes mus t b e indep endent
and sep arate fr om a ll non-r esidential
uses f or r esidents’ saf ety and pr ivacy.
G4. Design t he primary entrance for
residential buildings t o b e mor e
prominent t han secondary and/or
accessory entr ances (see Fig. 3.11).
G5. Locate s tairs ne ar t he bui lding’s entr ance
directly on t he bui lding’s pr incipal paths
of travel and design t hem t o b e visi ble
from entr ance lobbies, using f ire-rated
glass enc losures ins tead of tr aditional
opaque enc losures.
Related Subsections
2.1.2 Relationship to Transit
2.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Ac cess L ocation
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-11, TR-1, TR-2
© Image: David Baker Architects, Photo: Mariko Reed
Fig. 3.13 Provide c lear, sep arate, and e asy-to-find entr ances in a m ixed-use de velopment t hat sign ify t he diff erent typ es and sc ale of uses in t he bui ldings.
Fig. 3.14 Pedestrian and bic ycle entr ances r einforce building uses, su ch as c olonnades f or
commercial and indus trial uses.
Fig. 3.15 Occupied front p orch a t le ast f our f eet deep and six f eet wide t o ma ke r oom f or out door
furniture and se ating.
Fig. 3.16 Building entr ance a long t he public realm
recessed t o pr ovide w eather pr otection and
avoid bumping int o p edestrians w alking by .
© Image: David Baker Architects
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
40. BUILDING
X' + Y' less t han 52'
When B' gr eater t han 100' ,
A' less t han 25% of B'
When B' less t han 100' ,
A' not mor e t han 25'
X'
Y'
A'
B'
SECONDARY S TREET
PRIMARY S TREET
Site 1 Site 2
A: Driveway widt h
B: Street frontage
Building entr ances
Active frontage
Landscape buffer
Parking p odium
Multiple dr iveways
50' apart
Surface p arking lo cated
to the r ear and side of
the sit e
Surface p arking
X' + Y': Cumulative
driveway widt h f or
parking f acilities
Related Subsections
2.2.2 Driveways and V ehicle Dr op-offs
2.3.6 Vehicular P arking Plac ement and Surf ace
Parking Design
Minimize effects of driveways on the public realm.
3.2 ACCESS AND ENTRANCE DESIGN
3.2.2 Vehicular Entrances and Driveways
Rationale
Integrating t he lo cation and design of
driveways int o t he ov erall bui lding design
plays an imp ortant r ole in m inimizing
disruption of t he public realm and bui lding
character.
Standards
S1. Driveways mus t b e less t han 25 p ercent
of s treet frontage for sit es t hat ar e mor e
than 100 f eet wide a t t he s treet and not
more t han 25 f eet f or sit es t hat ar e less
than 100 f eet wide a t t he s treet
(see Fig. 3.18).
S2. Driveways f or p arking f acilities mus t b e a
maximum widt h of 52 f eet cumula tively
for e ach s treet frontage (see Fig. 3.18).
S3. When multiple driv eways are provided on
a s treet frontage, they mus t b e a t le ast 50
feet ap art measured b etween t he int ernal
edges of t he dr iveways (see Fig. 3.18).
S4. Recess p arking g arage entr ances a t le ast
two feet and not mor e f ive f eet w hen t he
building façade is a t t he s treet-facing
property line (see Fig. 3.17).
S5. Build City-standard driveways at a ll
vehicular entr ances b etween public
rights-of-way and private driveways
(see Fig. 3.18).
S6. Individual residence g arages mus t b e se t
back from t he bui lding façade by a t le ast
four f eet w hen plac ed a long secondary
streets and a t le ast tw o f eet w hen plac ed
along a lleys or int ernal c irculation.
Guidelines
G1. Design p arking and g arage entr ances t o
have a sim ilar ar chitectural s tyle as t he
rest of t he de velopment.
G2. Organize, cluster, and c onnect p arking
areas t o m inimize dr iveways f or a ll
developments.
G3. When pr ovided, lo cate hot el p orte-
cochères t o t he side or r ear of pr operties
to minimize ne gative imp acts on
pedestrian c onnections on primary and
secondary streets.
DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, AND DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES General Plan Reference
CD-1, TR-1, TR-8
Fig. 3.17 Driveways r ecessed int o t he bui lding façade protect p edestrians on side walks fr om inc oming and out going vehicular tr affic.
Fig. 3.18 Driveways le ading t o p arking g arage and anot her dr iveway wit h asso ciated surf ace p arking.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
41. BUILDING
Outdoor ser vices
Fencing and landscaping
Indoor ser vices
Primary building
entrances
Driveway a isle
Driveway
PRIMARY S TREET
SECONDARY S TREET
Active frontage
Separate service driveways from sidewalks and pedestrian areas, open spaces, and active uses.
3.2 ACCESS AND ENTRA NCE DESIGN
3.2.3 Services and Utilities Entrances and Design
Rationale
The lo cation and design of ser vice and uti lity
areas c an ne gatively imp act s treet lif e. Plac ing utilities and ser vice entr ances su ch t hat t hey
do not cr eate g aps in active frontages for any
developments is k ey t o a p edestrian-friendly
environment.
Standards
S1. Screen solid waste, utilities, and ser vice
areas fr om r esidential and c ommercial
uses, and on-sit e and off -site vie ws t o
limit visu al imp act on t he public realm
using f ences, w alls, or landscaping that
(see Fig. 3.21):
■ Use dur able and w eather-resistant
materials.
■ Are f our t o f ive f eet t all.
■ Do not int errupt t he line -of-sight of
drivers ent ering or e xiting t he sit e.
S2. Install roofs on e xterior solid waste
enclosures t o pr event r ain fr om g etting
inside and c arrying c ontaminants int o
the s tormwater sys tem.
Additional Standards f or Gener al Plan
Commercial and Indus trial Land U se
Designations
S3. Place hor izontal, t hrough-the-wall
venting t o t he s treet a bove t he t hird s tory
for c ommercial bui ldings. F or bui ldings
equal to or less t han t hree s tories, v ent
vertically t o t he r oof.
S4. Use f ive- t o se ven-foot-tall f ences or w alls with a t le ast 50 p ercent of t heir surf ace
area c overed wit h public art or
landscaping to screen c ommercial
service ar eas, c orporation y ards, and
exterior op erations fr om t he s treet and
adjacent non-indus trial or non-
commercial uses.
Guidelines
G1. Screen a ll uti lities and ser vices fr om
adjacent uses t hat ar e not t he same as
the de velopment sit e wit h vines, green
walls, and ot her landscaping elements
while s till ma intaining ac cess f or
collection, disposal, and ma intenance.
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY G2. Use dur able ma terials su ch as masonr y
walls, heavy w ood, and w eather r esistant
metals f or w alls and r oofs of solid waste
enclosures me ant t o b e c onnected t o
sanitary se wers.
G3. Design ser vice y ards t o pr ovide
convenient and saf e ac cess f or r esidents
and t enants by pr oviding a c lear p athway
and adequ ate lig hting.
G4. Provide c oncrete s tress p ads in dr iveways
for lo ading do cks and solid waste
collection ar eas t o pr event damag e t o
the gr ound b elow.
Related Subsections
2.2.3 Services and Uti lities Ac cess and
Location
General Plan Reference
CD-1, ER-8, IN-5, MS-3, TR-5, VN-1
Fig. 3.20 Locate and design ac cess t o uti lity ar eas and solid waste rooms aw ay fr om bui lding
entrances and t owards t he r ear or side of
buildings.
Fig. 3.19 Provide s treet ac cess f or ser vice ar eas aw ay fr om t he primary building entrances.
Fig. 3.21 Provide c overed solid waste and uti lity
enclosures w hen out side of bui ldings and
screen t hem fr om t he public realm.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
42. BUILDING
Window
patterns
Articulations for a t
least 80% of e ach
façade length
At le ast 2'
deep bays
Bays
2' plane
change
/gid00021/gid00028/gid00039/gid00039/gid00032/gid00045/gid00001/gid00040/gid00028/gid00046/gid00046/gid00001/gid00028/gid00047/gid00001 /gid00030/gid00042/gid00045/gid00041/gid00032/gid00045
/gid00004/gid00035/gid00028/gid00041/gid00034/gid00032/gid00001/gid00036/gid00041/gid00001 /gid00040/gid00028/gid00047/gid00032/gid00045/gid00036/gid00028/gid00039/gid00046 /gid00003/gid00028/gid00039/gid00030/gid00042/gid00041/gid00036/gid00032/gid00046 /gid00021/gid00045/gid00028/gid00031/gid00036/gid00047/gid00036/gid00042/gid00041/gid00028/gid00039/gid00001/gid00002/gid00045/gid00030/gid00035/gid00036/gid00047/gid00032/gid00030/gid00047/gid00048/gid00045/gid00032/gid00004/gid00042/gid00041/gid00047/gid00032/gid00040/gid00043/gid00042/gid00045/gid00028/gid00045/gid00052/gid00001/gid00002/gid00045/gid00030/gid00035/gid00036/gid00047/gid00032/gid00030/gid00047/gid00048/gid00045/gid00032
Rationale
The design and articulation of bui lding façades
adds t o t he visu al r ichness of de velopments
and cr eates p atterns and sc ale wit hin
neighborhoods. Elements su ch as b ay
windows, balconies, changes in plane and
height, and diff erentiation of ma terials and
colors f acilitate façade articulation and
mitigate t he monolit hic app earance of lar ge
walls and r oofs.
Standards
S1. Articulate all building façades facing a
street or public open space for a t le ast 80
percent of e ach façade length. Articulate
all other bui lding façades for a t le ast 60
percent of e ach façade length. Façade
articulation can b e ac hieved by pr oviding
material and plane c hanges or by
providing a rhythmic pattern of b ays,
columns, balconies, and ot her
architectural elements t o br eak up t he
building mass (see Fig. 3.22 to 3.29).
S2. Building e lements su ch as b ays, windows,
and b alconies t hat pr oject fr om façades
must hav e a t le ast tw o f eet of plane
change (see Fig. 3.24).
Guidelines
G1. Design t he façade as base, middle, and
top, using a c ombination of t he f ollowing
design e lements (see Fig. 3.28 and 3.29):
■ Base - Create a rhythm of c olumns,
windows, entry s toops, and p orches.
■ Middle - Employ b ays, dec ks, b alconies,
plane and ma terial c hanges, window
patterns, and sunshades.
■ Top - Articulate top floor(s) using
different ma terials, p atterns, r oof
forms, and p arapet he ights.
G2. Design ne w bui ldings so t hat a ll sides of a
building ar e c oordinated and cr eate a
cohesive architectural idea.
G3. Incorporate sp ecial c orner tr eatments,
such as c hanges in façade treatments,
material, or articulation, for bui ldings a t
street int ersections or adjac ent t o public
open spaces.
Design buildings with attractive, timeless, and sophisticated contemporary architecture.
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articulation
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY Horizontal venting
integrated wit h
façade design
Rhythmic pattern of
bays and windows
Plane c hange
Fig. 3.23 Similar design e lements su ch as b ays, b alconies, and window tr eatments c an b e used wit h diff erent architectural styles.
Fig. 3.22 Articulate façades and cr eate a rhythm of ar chitectural f eatures su ch as b ays and windows.
Fig. 3.24 Façade articulation using b ays. Fig. 3.25 Height articulation using corner element s and window p atterns.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
43. BUILDING
Top
Window p atterns
Horizontal plane
changes - m inimum 2'
Column p attern
Material change
Middle
Base
Top
Bays
Balconies
Vertical window p atterns
Bays
Balconies
Middle
Base
Vertical plane c hanges -
minimum 2'
Horizontal window
pattern
Step-back
Frequent entr ies
Roof f orm wit h v arying
parapet he ights
Window p atterns
Material change
Base Middle TopBase Middle Top
© Image: PG Designs
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
G4. Articulate building façades with ma terial
changes or art , su ch as mur als, t o cr eate
patterns of visu al int erest w hen a side of
a bui lding is bui lt t o pr operty line and is
visible fr om public realm.
G5. Avoid g lass curt ain w alls f or 100 p ercent
of bui lding façades by pr oviding a
balance of solid and g lass v ertical and
horizontal planes in bui ldings.
G6. Integrate a ll hor izontal v enting wit h t he
building env elope su ch t hat it b ecomes a
part of t he ar chitectural design
(see Fig. 3.22).
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.4 Awnings, Sunshades, and Scr eens
3.3.7 Materials and Color
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-2, CD-4, CD-5
Fig. 3.26 Façade articulation for a c ommercial and indus trial (r esearch and de velopment) f acility.
Fig. 3.27 A c ommercial bui lding wit h an ar chitectural break in t he street-facing façade.
Fig. 3.28 Residential buildings - Design façades wit h base, middle, and top, and articulate them wit h b ays, plane changes, decks, and b alconies.
Fig. 3.29 Commercial and indus trial bui ldings - Design façades with base, middle, and top and articulate them wit h bays, plane c hanges, window p atterns, and ma terial c hanges.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
44. BUILDING
Rationale
Roof f orms and ma terials gr eatly imp act t he
appearance and c haracter of bui ldings and
cityscapes.
Articulated roof f orms cr eate an int eresting
skyline and c an emphasiz e c ertain e lements of
the bui lding massing using c ombination of
different r oof f orms inc luding but not lim ited t o flat, gables, pitched r oofs, and ot her design
strategies su ch as v ariations in r oof and p arapet
heights.
Flat r oofs a llow f or a c ontemporary design and
provide sp ace f or multipurp ose f acilities
including c ommunity sp aces, low ma intenance
green roofs, green stormwater infrastructure,
renewable ener gy g eneration, and mec hanical
equipment r equired f or t he bui lding.
Standards
S1. Break the c ontinuity of pit ched r oofs and
roofs wit h hor izontal e aves mor e t han 150
feet in lengt h using g ables, bui lding
projections, or ot her bui lding articulation
(see Fig. 3.33).
S2. Do not pr ovide pit ched r oofs f or ov er 50
percent of any bui lding r oof lengt h
fronting t he public realm for bui ldings
greater t han f our s tories (see Fig. 3.33).
S3. For bui ldings wit h f ive s tories or gr eater:
■ Provide f lat r oofs f or a t le ast 90 p ercent
of r oof ar ea. Up t o 10 p ercent may b e a
combination of ot her r oof f orms.
■ When pr ovided, s loped r oofs mus t b e
less t han 25 p ercent of r oof lengt h
fronting t he public realm on any façade
or up t o 25 f eet f or façades of lengt h
100 feet or less (see Fig. 3.33).
■ Do not pr ovide r ailings a t r oofs f or mor e
than 20 p ercent of t he r oof lengt h
fronting t he public realm unless t he
railing is se t b ack mor e t han f ive f eet
from t he bui lding façade or designed t o
be 80 p ercent solid so as t o ac t as a
screen f or mec hanical equipment .
Exceptions may b e made in t he c ase of
railings lo cated a t occupied roof decks.
Design roofs to be compatible with surroundings and add character to buildings.
3.3.2 Roofs and Parapets
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY S4. Parapets and ot her scr eening e lements a t
the r oof le vel mus t scr een r ooftop
equipment fr om public vie w.
Guidelines
G1. Design articulated roof f orms f or ne w
developments and bui lding e xtensions
with e lements su ch as p arapets, p arapet
caps, and cornices to create s trong edg es
and r einforce massing and bui lding
façade articulation.
G2. Group vents, exhausts, and ot her r oof
penetrations so t hat t hey do not cr eate
visual clutter.
G3. To reduce t he he at is land e ffect and
energy lo ads, use LID strategies su ch as
"cool roofs" with non-r eflective and
low-intensity (lig ht and dull c olor)
materials and f inishes.
G4. Enclose or scr een a ll lar ge r ooftop
equipment, storage ar eas, and e xterior
maintenance sys tem equipment fr om
public vie w using enc losures, p arapets,
setbacks, landscaping, or ot her
architectural features wit h ma terials and
detailing sim ilar t o t he r est of t he
building (see Fig. 3.31 and 3.32).
G5. When r oof dec ks ar e added as a common
open space or r ecreational f acility, a ll
mechanical equipment and ser vice
rooms s hould b e scr eened fr om t he
common sp ace.
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-4, IN-6, MS-2
Fig. 3.30 Articulated roof f orms and v arying he ights help create a un ique c haracter f or ne w
developments.
Fig. 3.31 A f lat r oof c an b e used f or a c ombination of renewable ener gy sys tems su ch as phot ovoltaic
solar p anels and low-ma intenance landscaping.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
45. BUILDING
Occupied green roof
Sloped r oofs f or sma ller bui ldings
Roof lines ov er 150' long br oken up using g ables or
other articulation
Mechanical equipment c onsolidated and
screened fr om occupied roof dec k
Mechanical equipment c onsolidated and
screened fr om occupied roof dec k
Occupied roof dec ks
Green roof using na tive landscaping
Flat r oof
Deep parapet c ap cr eates s hadow and f orms top of
building
Articulated roof f orm as c orner design e lement
Parapet he ight v ariations
When C' less t han 100' ,
A' equal to or less 25'
When C' gr eater t han 100' ,
A'+B' less t han 25% of C'
A'A'
C'
B'
C'
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
© Image:Kevin Scott, Design by Mithun
Fig. 3.32 Mechanical equipment s hould b e c onsolidated and scr eened su ch t hat occupied green roofs can b e pr ovided f or use by building o ccupants.
Fig. 3.33 Articulate roof f orms and uti lize r ooftops f or multiple uses, su ch as r enewable ener gy g eneration, out door r ecreation, green roofs, etc.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
46. BUILDING
Projection up t o 4' w hen
encroaching in public
rights-of-way
Min
6' wide
Min
6' wide
Min
3' wide
PROJECTING BALCONIES RECESSED BALCONIES JULIET BALCONIES 4' to 6' deep
balconies
Min
12" deep balconies
Rationale
Decks and b alconies pr ovide private open
spaces and areas of relief in r esidential and
mixed-use buildings.
They ar e imp ortant e lements of façade design,
giving bui ldings a r esidential c haracter and
providing articulation and de tailing on bui lding
façades.
Standards
S1. When pr ivate dec ks and b alconies pr oject
out of a bui lding façade, they mus t e xtend
less t han 10 f eet fr om bui lding façades.
When t hey e xtend int o public r ights-of-way
the pr ojection mus t b e less t han f our f eet
outside t he pr operty line in a ccordance
with t he Ca lifornia Bui lding Co de.
S2. Occupied decks and balconies must b e a t
least six f eet wide and f our f eet deep t o
encourage out door se ating (see Fig. 3.36).
S3. Façade elements and unoccupied spaces
such as Julie t b alconies mus t b e a
minimum of t hree f eet wide and 12 inc hes
deep to provide r elief or articulation in t he
façade (see Fig. 3.36).
S4. When dec ks and b alconies pr oject int o
public r ights-of-way, ma intain a m inimum
vertical clearance a bove t he public realm
based on t he lo cation of t he de velopment
and gr ound f loor use:
■ 24 feet f or de velopments t hat hav e
residential common ar eas, c ommercial,
or m ixed-uses a t t he gr ound f loor.
■ 20 feet f or de velopments wit h
residential units a t t he gr ound f loor.
S5. When b alconies ar e pr ovided in a pr oject,
at le ast 25 p ercent of r esidential un its
facing secondary streets and public open
spaces must hav e b alconies.
S6. Do not lo cate p ermanent s torage b oxes,
condensers f or a ir-conditioning un its, or
other mec hanical equipment on dec ks
and b alconies.
Guidelines
G1. Include dec ks and b alconies t o pr ovide
private open spaces and add visu al
Create active façades using decks and balconies that add detail and visual interest to buildings.
3.3.3 Decks and Balconies
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY interest t o r esidential and c ommercial
buildings (see Fig. 3.34 and 3.35).
G2. Design p arapets and r ailings f or dec ks
and b alconies using ma terials sim ilar t o
or c onsistent wit h t he ov erall design and
materials used in t he de velopment.
G3. Create a rhythm or c onstant r epetition of
balconies and dec ks t o articulate
building façades (see Fig. 3.36).
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
4.2.2 Common and Pr ivate Op en Sp ace Design
General Plan Reference
CD-2, LU-9, LU-11, VN-5
Fig. 3.34 Balconies pr ojecting fr om t he bui lding mass. Fig. 3.35 Recessed b alconies c arved out of t he building mass.
Fig. 3.36 Create a rhythm of b alconies and dec ks f or int eresting façade articulation and private open spaces for t enants.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
47. BUILDING
WINDOW
ELEVATION
WINDOW
SECTION BUILDING ELEVATION
Area of window
(X' x Z')
X'
Y'
Z'
Y'
Area of s hade on
window gr eater t han or
equal to 30% Area of
window
Total area of s hade
45 o
45 o
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
Rationale
Awnings, sunshades, and scr eens ar e
important tr eatments f or façade articulation.
Combinations of ma terials and scr eens cr eate
interesting s hadow p atterns and c an pr ovide a
sense of v erticality or hor izontality. Awnings at
ground f loor le vel add human scale to the
pedestrian level and visu ally sep arate t he base
from t he middle of t he bui lding.
They a lso r educe solar he at g ain and g lare in
buildings and c an r educe t he amount of
energy r equired t o k eep int erior sp aces c ool
and c omfortable.
Standards
S1. When sunshades, awnings, recessed
windows, screens, or any ot her s hading
devices ar e pr ovided on Sout h and Wes t
building façades, design t hem su ch t hat
they pr ovide s hade on a t le ast 30 p ercent
of e ach e xposed e xterior window surf ace
on t hose bui lding façades.
■ Calculate t he amount of s hading on
each window using a 45-de gree ang le
with t he b ase equ al t o t he dept h of t he
sunshade for b oth hor izontal and
vertical shading (see Fig. 3.37).
■ Use hor izontal or v ertical s hading
devices or a c ombination of b oth f or
this c alculation.
Reduce heat gain and provide visual interest to buildings with awnings, sunshades, and screens.
3.3.4 Awnings, Sunshades, and Screens
PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY Guidelines
G1. When bui lding entr ances c annot b e
recessed, provide awnings or sunshades
at bui lding entr ances w eather pr otection
and t o visu ally br eak down t he sc ale of
the bui lding.
G2. Integrate awnings when used, int o
residential and indus trial entr ances and
commercial frontage design t o h ighlight
primary building entrances (see Fig. 3.38).
G3. Articulate awnings and sunshades to add
visual interest t o t he public realm
(see Fig. 3.39).
G4. Add awnings to impart a human scale to
the ov erall massing of a bui lding and
visually sep arate t he gr ound f loor fr om
floors a bove.
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, MS-2
Fig. 3.37 Calculate t he amount of s hade on a window c onsidering a 45ᵒ ang le wit h t he b ase equ al t o t he dept h of t he sunshade for b oth hor izontal and v ertical s hading.
Fig. 3.38 Provide awnings on street-facing façades. Fig. 3.39 Vertical and hor izontal sunshades and awnings create int eresting s hadow p atterns
and r educe solar he at g ain.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
48. BUILDING
© Image:Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
Rationale
Lining p arking s tructures wit h active frontages
and occupied spaces br ings ac tivity and lif e
back to streets. Placing p arking g arages
towards t he r ear of de velopments he lps t o
avoid disruptions t o t he public realm.
Standards
S1. Line a t le ast 50 p ercent of t he t otal
parking s tructure façade length f acing a
primary street, open sp ace, or a paseo
with a m inimum 20-f oot-deep active
frontage or r esidential and c ommercial
uses (see Fig. 3.43 and 3.44).
S2. Limit p arking a long primary street
frontages to 65 percent of t he sit e
frontage width.
S3. Orient t he s hortest façade of p arking
structures p arallel t o primary streets.
S4. Locate op enings and e xhaust v ents on
the t op of bui ldings or on sec ond le vels
to direct a ir aw ay fr om t he public realm
and adjac ent s tructures.
S5. Design flare-out openings at g arage
entrances wit h a m inimum widt h of 26
feet f or tw o-way tr affic and 20 f eet f or
one-way tr affic t o pr ovide line -of-sight
between v ehicles and p edestrians
(see Fig. 3.41).
Guidelines
G1. Design p arking s tructures using bui lding
massing, articulation, window p atterns,
and ot her façade treatments t hat ar e
consistent wit h ne ighboring bui ldings
(see Fig. 3.40 and 3.43).
G2. Conceal all ramped f loors fr om t he public
realm and surr ounding bui ldings.
Design parking structures to enhance both the streetscape and adjoining properties.
3.3.5 Parking Garage Design
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY, IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN, A ND SUPPOR T C ONNECTIVITY Fig. 3.40 Line p arking s tructures wit h active frontages at t he gr ound f loor and articulate them t o b e c onsistent wit h neighboring bui ldings.
Fig. 3.41 Provide flare-out openings a t g arage
entrances f or en hanced dr iver visi bility and
pedestrian saf ety.
Fig. 3.42 Conceal all ramped f loors fr om s treet vie w and line t he gr ound f loor façade with
active uses.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
49. BUILDING
Renewable ener gy infr astructure su ch
as phot ovoltaic p anels a bove c arports
Renewable ener gy infr astructure
such as phot ovoltaic p anels
above c arports
At le ast 50% of p arking
structure façade lined wit h
residential or c ommercial uses
Building façade elements and
articulation consistent wit h
neighboring bui ldings
Parking g arage entr ance
Façade treatment su ch as window
patterns, material changes, and scr eens
to conceal parking fr om public vie w
Special massing and façade treatment
to emphasize c orner entr y and v ertical
circulation using ar chitectural design
elements or public art
Ground f loor active frontage such as
retail, lobbies, and sma ll off icesPRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
G3. Design p arking s tructures f or p ossible
future c onversions t o a diff erent use by
incorporating t he f ollowing f eatures:
■ Flat f loors.
■ Clear he ights of m inimum n ine f eet
from f loor t o f inished c eiling.
■ Structurally sep arate v ehicle r amps
that ar e p artially or fully r emovable.
■ Structural strength t hat is suff icient f or
conversion t o ot her uses.
■ Structural depth t hat is s hallow
enough t o a llow nec essary day light
access if c onverted t o anot her use, or a
plan t o r educe t he s tructural dept h t o
the nec essary amount .
G4. For stand-alone parking garages, if
rooftops ar e not uti lized f or p arking,
provide r enewable ener gy, green
stormwater infrastructure, patios,
landscaping, or ot her gr een r oof
strategies (see Fig 3.43).
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, MS-2, MS-10, TR-1, TR-8
Fig. 3.43 Design stand-alone parking garages with active frontages at t he gr ound f loor and articulate them t o b e consistent wit h ne ighboring bui ldings.
Fig. 3.44 Parking g arage wr apped in a sep arate bui lding use su ch as r esidential or c ommercial.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
50. BUILDING
Up to 30' apart
Up to 15 vertical feet
Up to 20'
Up to 15 vertical feet
Glazed
façade area
Glazed façade area
Glazed façade area
Green roof or
vegetated c ourtyard
© Image: Victor A. Mirontschuk © Image: Victor A. Mirontschuk Conscious building design prevents negative impacts on wildlife.
3.3.6 Bird Safety
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
Rationale
It is vit al t o ensur e t hat bui lding design, façade materials, and artif icial n ight lig hting do not
confound bir ds and le ad t o t heir injur y or
death.
New de velopments and bui lding r enovations
should av oid adv erse c onsequences t hat
impact bir ds by using bir d-safe design
techniques. Bird safety treatments are
important f or a ll bui ldings, esp ecially f or t hose near bir d ha bitats, su ch as op en sp aces and
water.
The r equirements of t he Design S tandards and
Guidelines ar e in addition t o any ot her City
rules or r egulations a bout bir d saf ety.
Standards
S1. For non-r esidential uses, apply a bird
safety treatment on ar eas of g lazing
within 10 f eet of a bui lding c orner.
S2. For non-r esidential uses, apply a bird
safety treatment to glazed ar eas of any
building façade with mor e t han 10
percent g lazing t hat is wit hin 15 v ertical
feet and 20 hor izontal f eet of a green roof
or a v egetated c ourtyard, wit hin or
outside of t he de velopment (see Fig 3.47).
S3. Use a bird safety treatment on p arallel
panes of g lass 30 f eet or less ap art, su ch
as s kyways, w alkways, and ot her g lass
building c onnectors (see Fig 3.46).
S4. Use a bird safety treatment on
transparent a tria, fr ee-standing g lass
features, and glass arc hitectural element s
that pr otrude fr om t he pr imary bui lding
mass.
S5. Do not use m irrored g lass or g lazing wit h
a r eflective inde x a bove 20 p ercent.
S6. For façades with mor e t han 20 p ercent
glazing wit hin 60 f eet of gr ade and
located wit hin 300 f eet fr om a b ody of
water, including cr eeks and v egetated
flood c ontrol c hannels; or wit hin 100 f eet
of a landscaped area, open sp ace, or p ark
larger t han one acr e in siz e, apply a bird
safety treatment to at le ast 90 p ercent of
the g lazed ar eas wit hin 60 f eet of gr ade.
PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN
Guidelines
G1. Turn off dec orative e xterior lig hting
between 11:00 p .m. and 6:00 a.m. e xcept
during June, July , Dec ember, and
January du e t o bir d m igration.
G2. Use a bird safety treatment on windows
or ot her g lazed ar eas in w hich tr ees,
landscaping, water f eatures, or t he s ky
will be r eflected.
G3. Use a bird safety treatment on windows
or ot her g lazed ar eas t hrough w hich
landscaping, water f eatures, or t he s ky
can b e seen t hrough t he g lass.
G4. Do not plant tr ees in a line p erpendicular
to glass façades.
Related Subsections
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
ER-7
Fig. 3.46 Use a bird safety treatment for p arallel g lazed façades that ar e less t han 30 f eet ap art.
Fig. 3.47 Use a bird safety treatment on g lazed façades that ar e visi ble fr om and wit hin 15 v ertical f eet and 20 hor izontal feet of a green roof or v egetated c ourtyard.
Fig. 3.45 Use bird safety treatments on façades where g lazing ma kes up mor e t han 50 p ercent of surf aces.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
51. BUILDING
Material
transition
Inside Corner
Outside Corner
Trim or cornice
Material change
Vertical plane c hanges
Wood V eneer Corrugated Me tal StuccoRationale
Quality ma terials on bui lding façades convey
longevity and sustainability. Unique ma terials
inspired by t he context create a sense of plac e
and ac tivity. The c omposition of ma terials and
colors gr ounds a bui lding in it s surr oundings.
Standards
S1. In General Plan growth areas, ground
floor e levation fr onting primary streets
must hav e h igh qu ality ma terials and
texture f or a t le ast 50 p ercent of t he
non-glass ar eas. Hig h qu ality ma terials
include (but ar e not lim ited t o) s tone,
marble, granite, brick, tile, wood,
terracotta, and s teel.
S2. Material transitions a long any façade
must on ly o ccur on t he inside c orner of
plane c hange . When ma terial c hanges
need t o happ en in t he same plane, use
trims, cornices, or ot her ar chitectural
elements t o cr eate a c orner f or ma terial
transition (see Fig 3.49).
S3. For bui ldings t aller t han f our s tories, lim it the use of s tucco t o a maximum of 60
percent of any façade that f aces a s treet,
open sp ace, or paseo in General Plan
growth areas.
S4. For bui ldings t aller t han f our s tories, do
not provide unbr oken multi-s tory sections
of t he same ma terial, t exture, or c olor f or
more t han 150 f eet of façade length and
more t han tw o-thirds of t he num ber of
floors in he ight.
Guidelines
G1. Use dur able h igh-quality ma terials, su ch
as ti le, w ood, masonr y, br ick, s tones,
terracotta, or me tal.
G2. Use he avier ma terials su ch as masonr y,
concrete, and s tucco wit h dar ker c olors a t
the base and middle of bui lding façades
and pr ogressively lig hter ma terials and
colors su ch as w ood, p anels, e tc. on t he
middle and top of façades at upp er le vels.
G3. Exterior ma terials and ar chitectural de tails
of individu al bui ldings s hould b e
consistent wit h t he de velopments'
The quality of the materials and color palette helps define a building's character.
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
3.3.7 Materials and Color
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, A ND DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY architectural idea and s hould b e sc aled
based on vie wing dis tance - f iner de tails f or
pedestrian vie wpoints and lar ge-scale
details f or dis tant vie wpoints (see Fig. 3.50).
G4. Employ r eflective ma terials sp aringly t o
reduce g lare.
G5. Use br ight ac cent c olors m inimally.
G6. Identify and inc orporate h istorically and
culturally sign ificant ma terials and int o
building façades.
G7. Select ma terials t hat c an b e c leaned e asily
and pr ovide m inimal p otential f or gr affiti.
G8. Use bui lding ma terials t hat ar e made of
recycled or r enewable r esources or ar e
purchased fr om lo cal sour ces.
Related Subsections
3.1.1 Massing R elationship t o Cont ext
3.1.2 Form, Proportion, and Sc ale
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, CD-2, CD-4, MS-1
Fig. 3.48 Use c ontemporary or tr aditional ma terials t o de fine a base, middle, and top for bui ldings and t o h ighlight corner e lements.
Fig. 3.49 Create ma terial tr ansitions f or c ontinuous façades on inside c orners of plane c hanges.
Fig. 3.50 Exterior ma terials and ar chitectural de tails consistent wit h t he de velopment's s tyle and
character.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
52. BUILDING
Create safe and inviting public spaces with lighting that highlights buildings' distinctive elements.
Rationale
Lighting c an c onvey imp ortant inf ormation,
make sp aces f eel mor e c omfortable, saf e, and
highlight dis tinct f eatures of ne w bui ldings
without disrupting ne ighbors or imp acting t he
night s ky.
Standards
S1. Orient a t le ast 90 p ercent of e xterior
lighting f ixtures downw ard.
S2. Provide p edestrian-scale lig hting t o
illuminate t he gr ound f loor bui lding
façades and an adjac ent f our-foot wide
zone wit h lig hting f ixtures t hat ar e plac ed
(see Fig. 3.51 and 3.52):
■ Every 40 f eet or less f or a ll bui lding
façades to illuminate t he side walk
along primary and secondary streets.
■ Every 30 f eet or less f or a ll bui lding
façades facing public open spaces,
paseos, and POPOS.
■ Every 20 f eet or less f or a ll gr ound f loor
blank walls.
Guidelines
G1. Use ornament al and ar chitectural
lighting t o h ighlight t he f eatures,
elements, activity ar eas, and c haracter of
buildings (see Fig. 3.51).
G2. Conceal electrical elements su ch as
wires, conduits, and p anel b oxes fr om
public vie w.
G3. Shield lig hting t o pr event lig ht intrusion
into adjacent bui lding uses, esp ecially
residential units.
Related Subsections
2.3.7 Site Lig hting
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-9, TR-2
3.3.8 Architectural Lighting
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY, A ND SUPPOR T C ONNECTIVITY Fig. 3.51 Ornamental and ar chitectural lig hting a t t he gr ound f loor h ighlights t he f eatures of bui ldings and cr eates uniform lig hting c onditions a long t he p erimeter.
Fig. 3.52 Provide lig hting f or bui lding façades facing public open spaces, paseos, and POPOS.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
53. BUILDING
Awning signs f or bui lding addr ess and
business names
Back-lit signs with individu al le ttering
to identify business names
Blade or fin signs to identify
businesses and cr eate visu al int erest
at pedestrian level
Entry c anopy t o identify bui lding
address and emphasiz e c orner
Wall signs to identify bui lding addr ess
and use
Design building signage to clearly communicate with occupants and visitors and complement site surroundings.
Rationale
Signage he lps an imate and harmon ize
projects wit h t heir envir onments.
Well-designed and plac ed signag e c onveys
information, imparts a human scale to
buildings, creates a un ique and artis tic
character f or de velopments, and en hances t he
public realm.
Standards
S1. Direct a ll bui lding addr esses and pr imary
building signag e t owards s treet frontage
such t hat t hey ar e visi ble fr om t he s treet.
Guidelines
G1. Develop signage plans e arly in t he design
process so t hey ar e p art of t he ov erall
building ar chitecture and ar e c onsistent
with t he siz e and sc ale of bui lding(s).
G2. Design signs t o i llustrate t he h ierarchy of
information and entr ances a long busy
and/or multi -purpose façades.
G3. Design bui lding signag e t o r eflect t he
character of business or int erior use t o
create a un ique and individu al identity .
This c an b e done by uti lizing sim ilar c olor
and ma terial sc hemes (see Fig. 3.53).
G4. Provide pedestrian level signage su ch as
blade or fin signs and wall signs to match
the c haracter of t he ne ighborhood
(see Fig. 3.55).
G5. Provide awning signs, wall signs, and
signs wit h individu al le ttering t o identify
building addr esses and names of
residential, commercial, and indus trial
buildings (see Fig. 3.54).
G6. Design and ma intain landscaping around
detached signs to ensure visi bility fr om
the public realm (see Fig. 3.56).
G7. Do not pr ovide box signs with int ernal
lighting and surf ace le ttering.
Related Subsections
3.3.1 Façade Design and Articula tion
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-5, LU-11, TR-1
3.3.9 Signage
3.3 BUILDING ELEMENTS
ANALYZE CONTEXT , PROVIDE QUALITY DESIGN, DESIGN F OR SU STAINABILITY, SUPPOR T C ONNECTIVITY, A ND IMPLEMENT A CTIVE DESIGN Fig. 3.53 Design signag e t o r eflect t he typ es of uses in bui ldings and t o ensur e visi bility of s treet signag e f or b oth pedestrians and v ehicular tr affic.
Fig. 3.54 Illuminated awning sign placed a t entr y c anopy t o identify t he bui lding addr ess and emphasiz e bui lding c orner.
Fig. 3.56 Lighting of signage and maint aining landscaping around signag e ensur es visi bility.
Fig. 3.55 Blade or fin signage reflects t he c haracter and image of t he use.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
54. 4.1 Ground Flo or T reatment and U ses
4.1.1 Commercial Frontages......................................... 56
4.1.2 Residential Frontages.......................................... 58
4.1.3 Mitigating Blan k W alls ......................................... 60
4.2 Open Sp ace Design
4.2.1 Privately-Owned (and Ma intained) Public Op en Sp ace Design .... 61
4.2.2 Common and Pr ivate Op en Sp ace Design ....................... 62
4.3 Public Art
4.3.1 Public Art in Pr ivate De velopment .............................. 63 Pedestrian Level4.0
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
55.PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
Site
(Chapter 2)
Building
(Chapter 3)
Pedestrian Level
(Chapter 4)
© Image:RHAA Landscape Architects + Planners;
While t he le vel of s treet ac tivity c an v ary fr om bustling c ommercial c orridors t o quie t
residential streets or ar eas, t he physic al
hallmarks of a he althy public realm are the
same. Safe and w elcoming s treets pr ioritize
pedestrians, offer sp aces f or p eople t o g ather,
and hav e bui ldings t hat c oncentrate ac tivity
and visi bility t owards side walks.
The f irst v ertical 20 f eet of a bui lding's façade has a subs tantial imp act on t he public realm.
Attractive and appr oachable façades
combined wit h c areful plac ement of int erior
uses cr eate c onnections and ener gize s treet
life. This c hapter discusses sp ecific t echniques
for laying out and design ing bui ldings and
open sp aces wit hin t he public realm.
Introduction
Thoughtful placement of built uses, interesting building façades, and elements that add human scale to the buildings and enliven the public realm.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
56. PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
© Image: David Baker Architects, Photo: Bruce Damonte
4.1.1 Commercial Frontages
Rationale
Ground f loors wit h active frontages create
engaging s treets t hat ar e c omfortable t o use
and visu ally app ealing f or p edestrians.
Applicability
The s tandards and guide lines in t his Subsec tion
apply t o a ll gr ound f loor c ommercial frontages.
Standards
S1. Provide a finished ground floor level for a ll
commercial active frontages within t hree
vertical feet of side walk (see Fig 4.3).
S2. Create tr ansparent façades with windows
or c lear g lazing f or a t le ast 70 p ercent of
the active frontage length a long primary
streets or public open spaces and 50
percent of t he active frontage length a long
secondary streets (see Fig 4.3 and 4.5).
S3. Provide a tr ansparent façade at bui lding
corners su ch t hat it e xtends a t le ast 20 f eet
from t he c orner in b oth dir ections. If a
corner façade is fr onting a primary street
or public open space on one side and a
secondary street on t he ot her, r efer t o S2
for tr ansparent bui lding façade length
requirements f or e ach façade
(see Fig 4.3 and 4.5).
S4. Windows and c lear g lazing on t he gr ound
floor façade must hav e no op aque or
semi-opaque bui lding e lements wider
than tw o inc hes or sp aced mor e c losely
than f ive f eet b etween 3 t o 10 v ertical f eet
from t he side walk (see Fig. 4.3 and 4.5).
S5. All ground f loor c ommercial t enant sp aces
must b e a t le ast 45 f eet deep f or a
minimum of 50 p ercent of primary street
building façades, and a t le ast 25 f eet deep
for a m inimum of 50 p ercent of secondary
street façades.
S6. Provide a m inimum of 14-f oot f loor-to-
ceiling he ight f or gr ound f loor c ommercial
building frontages. This m inimum he ight
requirement do es not apply t o g arage or
utility ar eas w hich ar e sep arate and
distinct fr om gr ound f loor c ommercial
spaces (see Fig 4.5).
Support interesting and safe public spaces with active commercial frontages.
4.1 GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT AND USES
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER S7. Do not pr ovide any f ences or planting
taller t han t hree f eet b etween an active
frontage and t he edg e of side walk a long
a primary street.
Guidelines
G1. In mixed-use buildings with r esidential
and c ommercial uses, lo cate t he
commercial spaces t owards t he s treet, a t
street int ersections, or w here a public
open space or paseo intersects wit h t he
sidewalk.
G2. Provide a setback for c ommercial uses on
the gr ound f loor a long primary streets to
allow f or tr ansitions, frontage zone for
outdoor se ating, and futur e side walk
widening (see Fig 4.1, 4.2, and 4.4).
G3. If secur ity g ates ar e used as a p art of
commercial façade, integrate t hem int o
the ov erall ar chitectural design sc heme
of t he de velopment.
Related Subsections
2.3.2 Active F rontages
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
4.1.2 Residential Frontages
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-5, VN-1
10' minimum
3' maximum
Fig. 4.1 Provide active commercial uses t hat ar e
physically ac cessible t o p edestrians fr om
streets, sidewalks, or paseos.
Fig. 4.2 Outdoor furn iture and se ating in frontage
zones helps cr eate a liv ely public ream.
Fig. 4.3 Provide c lear g lazing f or a t le ast 70 p ercent of active frontage length and hav e no op aque bui lding e lements between 3 t o 10 v ertical f eet of t he side walk.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
57.PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
Min. 14'
A'
X
A' + B' greater than 70% of Building
frontage length
Transparent façade area
(X + Y) square feet
(X + Y) square feet greater than or equal
to 50% Z square feet
Total ground floor building
frontage area (Z square feet)
B'
YZ
Ground floor primary street-facing
building frontage length
Clear glazing
between 3' and
10' from the
ground
Max. 3' vertical
feet of opaque
materials
ELEVATION PLAN
Min. 10'
A' + B' + C' greater than 70% of Total
building frontage along primary street
D' + E' greater than 50% of Total building
frontage along secondary street
Transparent façade length
Ground floor building plan
Building Signage
Outdoor seating area for restaurants and cafes
Furnishing zone
Ground floor entrance within 3 vertical feet
of sidewalk
Frontage zone used for outdoor seating
Total building frontage along
primary street
Total building frontage along
secondary street
A >= 20' B C >= 20'
D >= 20' E
4.1 GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT AND USES
Fig. 4.4 Provide a setback for c ommercial frontage along primary streets to allow f or tr ansitions, frontage zones for out door se ating, and futur e side walk widen ing.
Fig. 4.5 Requirements of tr ansparent frontages for bui lding c orners a t int ersections, and a long primary and secondary streets.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
58. PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
Ground floor level maximum 4'
from sidewalk
Frontage zone used for stoops at
residential entrances
Residential
Subgrade
Parking
X YZ
Min. 6'
(X + Y) square feet greater than or
equal to 40% Z square feet along
secondary street
Transparent façade area
(X + Y) square f eet
(X + Y) square feet greater than or
equal to 60% Z square feet along
primary street
Total ground f loor bui lding
frontage area (Z squ are f eet)
Rationale
A tr ansparent gr ound f loor façade in r esidential
developments a llows int ernal uses t o eng age
with the public realm and cr eate a saf e
environment f or p edestrians.
Placing s hared sp aces and amen ities su ch as
fitness c enters, c ommon sp aces, and
management off ices a long primary street
frontages helps cr eate c onnections b etween
the bui lding and t he s treets. Side walk-
accessible entr y s toops f or gr ound f loor
residential units supp ort saf e, ac tive, and
comfortable p edestrian envir onments.
Standards
S1. Include a m inimum t hree-foot-deep
frontage zone at bui lding entr ances f or
residential and m ixed-use de velopments.
This tr ansition sp ace is use ful f or any
doors op ening out t o t he side walk and f or
providing s toops f or r aised r esidential
units (see Fig 4.7 and 4.8).
S2. The finished floor level of gr ound f loor
residential units mus t b e wit hin f our
vertical feet of t he c losest side walk. F or
sloping sit es, de velopments ar e a llowed
to have up t o 25 p ercent of un it entr ances
and up t o 1/4t h of t he gr ound f loor le vel
above f our v ertical f eet f or but not mor e
than six v ertical f eet h igher t han t he
closest side walk a long t hat pr operty line
(see Fig. 4.7).
S3. For a ll r esidential active frontages, provide
at le ast six -foot-tall tr ansparent windows
or c lear g lazing t hat c over a m inimum of
60 percent of t he active frontage along
primary streets and 40 p ercent a long
secondary streets (see Fig. 4.6).
S4. Partially sub-gr ade p odium g arages a long
streets and p edestrian w alkways mus t:
■ Not e xtend mor e t han f our f eet a bove
grade.
■ Not hav e blank walls.
■ Screen mec hanical equipment and a ir
exhaust windows fr om vie w.
■ Have op enings and articulations that
are c onsistent wit h t he r est of t he
building façade.
4.1 GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT AND USES
Design ground floor residential frontages to directly connect with the public realm, create eyes-on-the- street, and add visual interest to public spaces while still maintaining tenant privacy.
4.1.2 Residential Frontages
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY CHA RACTER Guidelines
G1. Support p edestrian saf ety by lo cating
residential stoops and commun ity spac es
such as g yms, manag ement off ices, and
indoor r ecreation ar eas, a long s treet and
public open space frontages to enliven
street lif e and cr eate eyes-on-the-street
(see Fig 4.9, 4.10, and 4.11).
Related Subsections
2.3.2 Active F rontages
3.2.1 Pedestrian and Bic ycle Entr ances Design
General Plan Reference
CD-1, H-3, LU-11
Fig. 4.6 Provide tr ansparent g lazing f or r esidential active frontages along primary and secondary streets.
Fig. 4.7 Elevate r esidential entr ances up t o 4' fr om t he side walk and pr ovide a m inimum 3' deep frontage zone at a ll building entr ances.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
59.PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
At least 4-foot-wide frontage zone
Frequent ground floor entrances within
4 vertical feet of sidewalk
Building Signage
Primary building entrance with
awning/sunshade
Active uses such as common spaces
facing the street
4.1 GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT AND USES
Fig. 4.8 Locate r esidential entr ances and active uses such as g yms and c ommunity sp aces on s treet frontages. Frontage zones create t he opp ortunity t o pr ovide s toops f or r aised residential units and pr otect p edestrians fr om any do ors op ening out t o t he side walk.
Fig. 4.9 Frequent r esidential entr ances a long t he street t o cr eate eyes-on-the-street.
Fig. 4.10 Locate r esidential entr ances and active frontages such as e xercise r ooms, le asing off ices, and c ommunity spaces a long t he s treets and public open spaces.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
60. PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
Maximum 30' blank wall
along primary street
Maximum 15' continuous
blank wall without a
façade treatment
Building corner
Active frontage
Maximum 20' continuous
blank wall without a
façade treatment
Maximum 50' blank wall
along secondary street
PRIMARY STREET
SECONDARY STREET
Mitigate long blank walls along primary streets and public open spaces by using design strategies to create interesting façades.
Rationale
Blank walls make plac es f eel un inviting and
sometimes unsaf e. Min imizing long s tretches
of un broken façades and non-active frontages,
such as p arking g arages and ser vice and uti lity
areas, creates an ac tive and saf e public realm.
Standards
S1. Limit c ontinuous blank walls on t he
ground f loor t o less t han 30 f eet a long
primary street façades and 50 f eet a long
secondary street façades (see Fig. 4.13).
S2. Do not cr eate a blank wall longer t han 15
feet in t he 50 f eet c losest t o a bui lding
corner fr onting a primary street or public
open space (see Fig. 4.13).
S3. Do not cr eate a blank wall longer t han 25
feet in t he 50 f eet c losest t o a bui lding
corner fr onting a secondary street, paseo,
or a lley (see Fig. 4.13).
S4. At the pedestrian level, mitigate blank
walls that c ontinue f or mor e t han 15 f eet
along primary streets and 30 f eet a long
secondary streets by pr oviding a t le ast
one of t he f ollowing design tr eatments
(see Fig. 4.12 and 4.13):
■ Architectural treatments su ch as
reveals, projections, setbacks,
indentations, lighting, awnings, etc.
■ Interactive public art t hat is a t le ast
100 square f eet in ar ea and o ccupies a t
least 10 line ar f eet of t he w all.
■ Art e xhibitions, mer chandising display
windows, or public inf ormation
display c ases t hat c hange a t le ast onc e
every six mont hs.
■ Murals th at a re a t l east ei ght f eet i n a ny
dimension and c over a t le ast 75
percent of t he blank wall area.
S5. At the pedestrian level, use a t le ast one of
the tr eatments mentioned in 4.1.3 - S4 for
blank walls along pr operty lines t hat ar e
exposed t o t he public realm without
another bui lding lo cated wit hin 15 f eet.
4.1 GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT AND USES
4.1.3 Mitigating Blank Walls
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, AND SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY Guidelines
G1. Use façades on p ortions of bui ldings t hat
house secur e business op erations as an
opportunity f or public art , ar chitectural
features, or articulated façade elements.
G2. Use diff erent ma terials, t extures, c olors,
patterns, lighting, canopies, landscape
treatments, and public art to cre ate visua l
interest on blank and un broken w alls.
G3. Coordinate façade treatments of blank
walls at the pedestrian level with t he
overall character, architecture, and
building ma terials.
Related Subsections
2.3.2 Active F rontages
4.3.1 Public Art in Pr ivate De velopment
General Plan Reference
AC-2, CD-1, LU-5, TR-2
Fig. 4.12 Blank façades at the pedestrian level must b e less t han 30 f eet a long primary streets and 50 f eet a long secondary streets.
Fig. 4.11 Examples of t echniques t o m itigate blank
walls - green walls, planted se tback, public
art, material changes, and lig hting.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
61.PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
Public plaza
Permanent
seating
Landscape
Minimum 25'
Minimum 25'
4.2.1 Privately-Owned (and Maintained) Public Open Space Design
4.2 OPEN SPACE DESIGN
Rationale
Privately-owned public open spaces (POPOS)
create opp ortunities f or c ommunity
interaction, public art , and c ivic f eatures. The y
act as signa ture amen ities f or de velopments,
bolster adjac ent r etail businesses, and pr ovide
areas of relief in dense c ommercial and
industrial neighborhoods. The design, siz e,
and c haracter of POPOS can b e s haped wit h
artwork, landscaping, seating, and ot her
street furn iture.
Standards
S1. When adjac ent t o r etail sp aces and
mixed-use buildings, designate f ive
percent of t he t otal POPOS area f or
seating. If t here ar e f ood ser vice
businesses adjac ent t o it , designa te 10
percent of t he t otal POPOS area f or
seating. This se ating c ould b e a
combination of bui lt-in or mov able
furniture.
S2. The lengt h and widt h of POPOS must
each b e a t le ast 25 f eet long w hen any
building on it s p erimeter is 30 f eet or
taller (see Fig. 4.16).
Guidelines
G1. Create active and passive areas wit hin
POPOS and ma intain visi bility t hroughout
using e lements su ch as c anopies, tr ees,
landscaping, public art ins tallations,
street furn iture, and r ecreational f acilities
(see Fig. 4.15).
G2. Use tr ees, bui lding ov erhangs, um brellas,
and ar cades t o pr ovide s hade in t he
warmest mont hs (see Fig. 4.14).
Related Subsections
2.3.4 Open Sp ace Plac ement and Ac cess
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
General Plan Reference
AC-2, CD-1, MS-21, PR-7, VN-5
Create active, safe, and durable open spaces that are accessible to everyone.
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY Fig. 4.14 Create active and passive areas wit hin POPOS using e lements su ch as tr ees and landscaping.
Fig. 4.15 Provide a t le ast 25' lengt h and widt h f or a ll POPOS with p erimeter bui lding frontages that
are 30' or t aller.
Fig. 4.13 Provide se ating, use landscaping, and cr eate active and passive activity ar eas in POPOS.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
62. PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
X' - Height of building
along the perimeter of a
common open space.
Minimum 80'
Minimum 0.5x X'
4 to 8 stories
(Height X')
Over 8 stories
(Height X')
Minimum X'
Minimum 0.5x X'
Up to 4
stories
(Height X')
Common
open space
Common
open space
Common
open space
Minimum 20'
Provide active and passive open spaces and common areas for building residents and other users.
4.2 OPEN SPACE DESIGN
4.2.2 Common and Private Open Space Design
Rationale
Common open spaces create opp ortunities f or
shared g atherings and r ecreational ac tivities
between bui lding o ccupants. The y pr ovide
access t o t he out doors f or a ll t enants and
visitors, which is imp ortant in dense
developments.
Private open spaces for individu al t enants
consist of dec ks, b alconies, p orches, and
patios. They pr ovide sp ace f or r esidents t o
enjoy t he out doors in solitu de and may
overlook the public realm.
Additional Requirements
Refer t o App endix A.2 f or additiona l
requirements f or common and private open
space design.
Standards
S1. When a ll t he bui lding w alls f acing a
common open space are less t han f our
stories t all, e ach common open space
dimension mus t b e a t le ast 20 f eet
(see Fig. 4.17 and 4.18).
S2. When one or mor e bui lding w alls f acing a
common open space are f our t o e ight
stories t all, a t le ast one of t he common
open space dimensions mus t b e equ al t o
or gr eater t han t he he ight of t he t allest
building w all f acing t he common open
space. The ot her dimension mus t b e 50
percent or mor e of t he he ight of t he
tallest bui lding w all f acing t he c ommon
open sp ace (see Fig. 4.17 and 4.18).
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN, DESIGN EQUITABLE PLACES, SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY, AND DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY S3. When one or mor e bui lding w alls f acing a
common open space are mor e t han e ight
stories t all, a t le ast one of t he common
open space dimensions must b e 80 f eet or
more. The ot her dimension mus t b e 50
percent or mor e of t he he ight of t he
tallest bui lding w all f acing t he common
open space (see Fig. 4.18).
Guidelines
G1. Cluster common spaces with int erior
amenities su ch as c ommunity r ooms and
fitness c enters t o cr eate in- building
destinations b oth f or c ommercial and
mixed-use buildings.
G2. Provide a v ariety of sp aces and amen ities
for diff erent ac tivities and o ccupant
groups, such as se ating ar eas, p et ar eas,
and playgr ounds (see Fig. 4.17).
G3. Incorporate w ater-efficient landscaping,
LID planters, and green stormwater
infrastructure into common open spaces.
G4. Provide vie ws t o t he out doors fr om
physical activity r ooms.
Related Subsections
2.3.4 Open Sp ace Plac ement and Ac cess
2.3.8 Landscaping and S tormwater
Management
General Plan Reference
H-3, LU-9, MS-3, VN-5
Fig. 4.17 The m inimum dimension of common open spaces must b e a t le ast 20' , wit h sec ondary dimensions r elative t o t he he ight of t he bui ldings fr onting it .
Fig. 4.16 Design multi -use common open spaces to be used by bui lding o ccupants.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
63.PEDESTRIAN LEVEL
ADD BETTER PHOTO
"Show Your Stripes" , Jim Conti, 2008
"XO" , Laura Kimpton and Jeff Schomberg, 2019. © Image:David C. Hill "Limonium" , Mona Caron, 2020
4.3.1 Public Art in Private Development
Incorporate public art installations into private developments to enhance and contribute to San José's distinct cultural identity.
Rationale
Public art of any medium, sc ale, or f orm
enhances cultur al int erest in a plac e and
reflects div erse lo cal c haracter. Public art may
include sculptur es, mur als, un ique ma terial
patterns, metal works, light displays, and
landscape or w ater f eatures.
Public art typologies
Elements of Dis tinction - Un ique and
memorable f eatures t hat cr eate an identity f or
a p articular de velopment. The y may or may
not b e int eractive in na ture.
Elements of Continuity - Element s t hat r epeat
in a sequ ence and visu ally un ify t he sp ace t hey
are in.
Elements of Chang e - T emporary art w ork or
art t hat is int eractive or r ecurs a t r egular
intervals (a t le ast onc e e very six mont hs), su ch as lig hts dur ing f all and wint er.
Guidelines
G1. Integrate permanent and temporary art
into common open spaces and g athering
areas in a ll pr ojects.
G2. Create an Element of Dis tinction a t
gateway sites or sit es a t t he int ersection
of pr ominent primary streets and visi ble
from t he public realm at a dis tance of a t
least 50 f eet fr om t he art .
G3. Locate t he diff erent typ es of public art a t
strategic lo cations:
■ Elements of Dis tinction t o identify
buildings, key c irculation p aths,
corridors, and ne ighborhood
connections (see Fig.4.21).
■ Elements of Dis tinction t o anc hor
important places suc h as plazas, par ks,
POPOS, and public tr ansit s tations
(see Fig. 4.22).
4.3 PUBLIC ART
IMPLEMENT ACTIVE DESIGN AND SUPPORT CONNECTIVITY
■ Elements of Continuity t o guide
people t hrough paseos and t o
highlight major s treets and public
transportation lines and s tops.
■ Elements of Chang e t o en liven c ivic or
cultural destinations. These c an b e
used on r esidential and c ommercial
façades as w ell (see Fig. 4.20).
G4. If lig hting is p art of a public art piec e, use
LED lighting t hat c an r espond t o diff erent
day and n ight c onditions.
Related Subsections
4.1.3 Mitigating Blan k W alls
General Plan Reference
AC-1, AC-2, CD-5, VN-4
Fig. 4.18 Create un ique public art li ke sculptur es t o anc hor plaz as, p arks, and POPOS.
Fig. 4.19 Use lig hting on t he sit e or bui ldings t o cr eate Elements of Chang e.
Fig. 4.20 Utilize blank walls on bui lding façades to create art t hat en hances lo cal cultur al int erest
or r eflects t he c haracter of t he de velopment.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
64. 5.1 Residential
5.1.1 Duple x - Sing le F amily House Conv ersion or Ne w Cons truction .......... 66
5.1.2 Infill Multi-Unit De velopments - T riplex t o Six -Plex ...................... 67
5.1.3 T ownhouses and R owhouses ......................................... 68
5.1.4 Multi -Unit De velopments wit h Multiple Un it T ypes...................... 69
5.1.5 Low-Rise Multif amily R esidential ...................................... 70
5.1.6 Mid -Rise Multif amily R esidential and Mix ed-Use ........................ 71
5.1.7 Hig h-Rise Multif amily R esidential and Mix ed-Use ....................... 72
5.1.8 Liv e-Work Sp aces / Gr ound Flo or Off ice asso ciated wit h R esidential un its 73
5.2 Commer cial
5.2.1 House Conv ersion t o Commer cial U se ................................. 74
5.2.2 Commercial Corridor ................................................. 75
5.2.3 Commer cial Cent er................................................... 76
5.2.4 Off ice Bui ldings - L ow-Rise and Mid -Rise ............................... 77
5.2.5 Off ice Bui ldings - Hig h-Rise............................................ 78
5.2.6 Da ta Cent ers ......................................................... 79
5.2.7 Hot els and Mot els .................................................... 80
5.2.8 Ent ertainment Cent ers................................................ 81
5.2.9 Sc hools .............................................................. 82
5.2.10 Fueling and Char ging S tations ........................................ 83
5.2.11 Vehicle De alerships and A uto Ser vice F acility........................... 84
5.2.12 Drive-Through U ses .................................................. 85
5.2.13 Warehouses and Se lf-Service S torage.................................. 86
5.3 Industrial
5.3.1 Industrial Research and De velopment .................................. 87
5.3.2 Industrial - Gener al .................................................... 88
5.3.3 Auto Dismantling...................................................... 88 Specific Development Types5.0
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
65.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
The purp ose of t his c hapter is t o he lp user s
understand how t he Design S tandards and
Guidelines may b e implement ed acr oss a
variety of de velopment typ es.
Each Subsec tion of t his c hapter f ocuses on a
common de velopment typ e and is or ganized
as f ollows:
Description - Defines t he de velopment typ e
and descr ibes it s c haracterizing f eatures, su ch
as siz e, c onfiguration, and typic al uses.
Example Diagr am and Phot o - Depicts a
typical example of t he de velopment typ e t hat
conforms t o t he s tandards and guide lines
identified in t his do cument. Annot ations t o t he
diagram demons trate how k ey s tandards and
guidelines may b e applied and int erpreted.
These annot ations ar e not an e xhaustive lis t of
all applicable S tandards and Guide lines but
direct t he do cument user t o r eview r elevant
Subsections and r egulations in t he context of
each de velopment typ e.
General Plan R eference - Provides a lis t of
sections fr om t he Envision San José 2040
General Plan t hat e ach Subsec tion g enerally
supports.
Introduction
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
66. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Residential Frontages (4.1.2, S2):
Ground f loor wit hin 4 v ertical f eet
of side walk.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S2): One
driveway pr ovided f or
mid-block parcel with less
than 200' of s treet frontage.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façades
with b ays, b alconies, and ot her
elements t o c omplement t he
surrounding bui ldings
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S2):
Gables and h ips f or bui ldings
up to four f loors t all.
SECONDARY
STREET
5.1.1 Duplex - Single Family House Conversion or New Construction
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Description
Duplexes ar e tw o dw elling un its on one lot ,
where a t le ast one un it has a s treet frontage
and b oth hav e pr ivate y ards. The y mos t oft en
occur as inf ill housing de velopments wit hin
established ne ighborhoods, e ffectively
doubling t he density of sing le-family p arcels.
It is imp ortant tha t any ne w duple xes/
triplexes/four-plexes ar e ar chitecturally
compatible (hav e sim ilar f eatures) wit h t he r est
of t he bui ldings on t he same s treet. Some
features t o lo ok f or w hile design ing duple xes
in r esidential ne ighborhood ar e:
■ Building he ights;
■ Building entr ances;
■ Roof s hapes and p atterns;
■ Window, porch, and b alcony s hapes and
patterns, if t hey ar e pr evalent in t he
vicinity; and
■ Materials and de tails.
General Plan Reference
H-3, H-4, LU-9, LU-11
Fig. 5.1 Typical Duplex - Duplex c onfiguration articulated to break up building mass and cr eate a sc ale sim ilar t o t he adjacent r esidential bui ldings. The duple xes hav e direct pedestrian access to the bui lding entr ance and ar e placed c lose t o t he s treet w hile ma intaining a setback matching t he adjac ent bui ldings.
Fig. 5.2 Single-family house c onverted t o duple x by adding an additiona l f loor, split ting t he
building int o tw o un its wit h entr ances f or e ach unit lo cated on t he gr ound f loor on e ach side
of t he bui lding frontage.
Fig. 5.3 Example of duple x c onfiguration w here one
unit is lo cated on t he gr ound f loor wit h direct
access from t he s treet and t he ot her is lo cated
on t he sec ond f loor wit h a w alkway fr om t he
street t o t he s taircase.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
67.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances Design (3.2.1, S7): A
four-foot deep and six -foot wide entr ance p orch
provided f or r esidential entr ance.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access Location (2.2.1, S1, S3):
Primary building entrance or iented t owards primary
street within 15' of side walk.
Façade Design and Articulation (3.3.1, S1): Primary
street-facing building façade articulated for mor e t han 60% of bui lding frontage along t he s treet using b ays, columns, and façade plane c hanges.
Building Placement (2.3.1, S2): 75% of gr ound f loor
primary street-facing building façade within 5' of
required se tback .
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S1): Gables pr ovided a t
different he ights and or iented t owards t he s treet.
Open Space Placement and Access (2.3.4, S2): Common
open space located su ch t hat it is ac cessible by a ll buildings on sit e via p edestrian w alkways.
TOWNHOUSE
DUPLEX
PRIMARY
STREET
TRIPLEX
PRIVATE STREET
FOUR-PLEX
OPEN SPACE
MUL TI-UNITS - C ONTEMPORARY
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
MUL TI-UNITS - TR ADITIONAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Fig. 5.4 A f our-plex wit h a ll un it entr ances f acing t he s treet. Some un its hav e fr ont y ard p atios w hereas ot hers hav e a recessed un it entr ance or a fr ont do or wit h a pr ojecting awning for w eather pr otection.
Description
Small multi-unit de velopments r anging fr om
triplexes t o six -plexes and " separated"
townhouses or rowhouses offer a gr eat
opportunity f or inf ill de velopments or
redevelopments in ne ighborhoods wit h
predominantly sing le-family housing.
These de velopments he lp cr eate denser
housing w hile blending int o t he r esidential
character of t he ne ighborhood. The
architectural style of t hese un its c ould b e
traditional or c ontemporary, but t hey s hould
incorporate design e lements t hat ar e sim ilar t o
the r esidential c haracter of t he ar ea.
5.1.2 Infill Multi-Unit Developments - Triplex to Six-Plex
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Fig. 5.5 Townhouse and sma ll multi -unit r esidential de velopments su ch as duple x t o f our-plex off er an opp ortunity f or dense de velopments on small sites in pr edominantly sing le-family neighborhoods. They ar e designed t o app ear as t he same sc ale and hav e sim ilar ar chitectural design e lements as t heir surr oundings.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
68. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façade.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S4):
Individual driveways lo cated
on pr ivate, secondary, or less
prominent s treets.
Residential Frontages
(4.1.2, G1): Direct access to
tenants fr om t he s treet.
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S2):
Gables and h ips f or bui ldings
up to 3 floors t all.
Turn ar ound f or Fir e Dep artment
and uti lity v ehicles
ALLEY
/ PRIVATE STREET
PRIMARY
OR SECONDARY
STREET
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façade.
Paseo Placement and Design
(2.3.3, S1): Pedestrian and bicy cle
access f acilitated by pr oviding
paseos of adequ ate widt h
between bui ldings.
Common and Private Open
Space Design (4.2.2, G2):
Outdoor sp aces pr ovided f or
all occupants and visit ors of
the de velopment.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S4):
Individual driveways lo cated
on pr ivate, secondary, or less
prominent s treets.
Residential Frontages
(4.1.2, G1): Direct access for
tenants fr om t he s treet.
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S2):
Gables and h ips f or bui ldings
up to 3 floors t all.
PRIMARY
STREET
ALLEY
\ PRIVATE STREET
5.1.3 Townhouses and Rowhouses
Description
Townhouses typic ally hav e fr ont-loaded
garages and r ear y ards. R owhouses ar e usu ally
served by a lleys, hav e r ear-facing g arages, and
do not hav e b ackyards. The y c an b e a ttached
or de tached fr om adjoin ing r esidences and
are oft en on private streets that cr eate an
internal, hierarchical circulation sys tem. If
there is not enoug h r oom f or solid waste
collection v ehicles t o turn ar ound, r esidents
may hav e t o plac e t heir solid waste bins on
the primary or secondary street for solid waste
collection.
These tw o housing typ es ar e oft en inc luded in
the same de velopments and ar e suit able f or
families or multi -person house holds.
General Plan Reference
H-1, H-3, H-4, LU-9, LU-11
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Fig. 5.7 Townhouse Development - A t ownhouse de velopment wit h fr ont-loaded g arages and r ear y ards. Townhouses are plac ed ne ar s treets and public open spaces with r esidential frontages towards t he private street and direct access for t he t ownhouses lo cated t owards t he primary street.
Fig. 5.8 Rowhouses wit h a c ontemporary ar chitectural style bui lding façade.
Fig. 5.9 Townhouses wit h ac cess t o p arking via a
private street and p edestrian ac cess fr om
primary streets.
Fig. 5.6 Rowhouse Development - A r owhouse de velopment wit h g arages ser ved by a lleys or secondary, less pr ominent streets. Residential frontages have articulations that blend in wit h t he surr ounding ne ighborhood and pr ovide direct access to a common open space for t enants w hile cr eating visu al int erest fr om t he s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
69.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Rowhouses p erpendicular t o t he
expressway or h igh-traffic primary
street with g arages ser ved by
alleys.
Townhouses wit h g arage ac cess
and bui lding entr ance fr om t he
private street.
Townhouses wit h g arage ac cess
and primary building entrances
from t he private street or c ourt.
Single-family r esidences or
detached t ownhouses.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S1):
Primary building entrance
oriented t owards primary
street.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, S2): Centrally
located common open space
accessible by a ll bui ldings in
the de velopment via
walkways.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S4): Garage
entrances f or individu al
residences pr ovided fr om
private street.
Rowhouses with primary
building entrances located
towards primary street
Single f amily house
Five-plex
Single f amily
house
Four-plex
Duplex
Trash pic kup ar ea
LIMITED ACCESS STREET
PRIMARY S TREET
PRIVATE STREET PRIVATE STREET
PRIVATE STREET
Triplex wit h primary building
entrances facing t he r esidential
primary street and g arage ac cess
from t he private street or int ernal
circulation.
Pedestrian ac cess fr om primary
street aligned wit h int ernal
circulation.
Five-plex wit h primary building
entrances facing t he r esidential
primary street and g arage ac cess
from int ernal c irculation.
Description
Irregular s haped p arcels t hat hav e lim ited
access fr om surr ounding pr operties b enefit
from t he use of multiple -unit bui ldings or
development typ es t o pr ovide t he r equired
building or ientation t o public r ights-of-way,
private streets, and op en sp aces as r egulated
by t he Design S tandards and Guide lines.
Small multi-unit de velopments typic ally hav e
a m ix of diff erent r esidential typ es su ch as
single f amily, duple xes, tr iplexes t o six -plexes, townhouses, and rowhouses. The sc ale and
character of multi -unit de velopments s hould
be sim ilar t o t he e xisting r esidential
developments in t he ne ighborhood.
5.1.4 Multi-Unit Developments with Multiple Building Types (Rowhouses, Townhouses, or Detached houses)
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Fig. 5.11 A multi -unit de velopment wit h se veral r esidential bui lding typ es in a ne ighborhood wit h pr edominantly sing le-family r esidential de velopments. The sit e plann ing and organization uti lizes t he sit e e fficiently and blends in wit h t he sc ale and c haracter of t he r est of t he ne ighborhood.
CENTRALLY L OCATED OPEN
SPACE
EXPRESSWAY
PRIMARY S TREET
PRIVATE STREET / INTERNAL CIRCULATION
Fig. 5.10 Irregular shaped par cels and those abut ting primary streets with heavy traff ic bene fit from the use of multiple-un it building typ es t o pr ovide t he r equired or ientation t o public r ights-of-way, private streets, and op en sp aces.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
70. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Signage (3.3.9, G2, G3):
Building signag e pr ovided t o
convey inf ormation and
enhance public realm.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S2):
Access f or a ll gr ound f loor
residential units fr om s treets
or open spaces.
Privately-Owned (and
Maintained) Public Open Space
Design (4.2.1, G1):
Visible and
physical distinction b etween
sidewalks and POPOS using
landscaping and art
installations.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, S3): Driveway fr om
secondary street on a sit e wit h
multiple public façades.
Services and Utilities Access
and Location (2.2.3, G1, G5):
Services and uti lities lo cated
away fr om active frontages.
Common and Private Open Space
Design (4.2.2, G1): Common open
spaces
connected t o int erior
amenities.
Residential Frontages (4.1.2, S2):
Ground f loor entr ance wit hin 3
vertical feet of side walk.
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Location (2.2.1, S1): Pedestrian
and bic ycle ac cess fr om primary
streets and public open spaces.
SECONDARY
STREET
Building Placement (2.3.1, S2):
More t han 60% of t he bui lding
placed wit hin 5' of t he pr operty
line a long secondary streets.
Description
In multif amily bui ldings, un its s hare surf ace
parking ar eas, laundr y f acilities, and op en
spaces and c an r ange in siz e fr om s tudios t o
one- or f our- b edroom un its.
Low-rise multifamily r esidential bui ldings ar e
typically one t o t hree f loors t all and f it w ell
near sing le-family houses. The bui ldings c an
be plac ed and designed t o tr ansition b etween
traditional low-density r esidential
neighborhoods and h igher-use ar eas and
streets. Buildings and p arking c an b e plac ed t o
provide active residential frontages along
streets and m inimize t he imp act of v ehicles on
the public realm.
General Plan Reference
H-1, H-3, H-4, LU-9, LU-11
5.1.5 Low-Rise Multifamily Residential
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Fig. 5.12 Façade articulation, special corner tr eatment, dec ks and b alconies, r ecessed p arking g arages, and r esidential entrance stoops acc essible from the str eet cre ate smaller masses and bring th is low-rise multifamily residentia l building t o a human scale.
Fig. 5.13 Low-Rise Multifamily Residential - The gr ound f loor pr ovides fr equent entr ances fr om t he primary street for a ll s treet f acing r esidential un its. P arking is scr eened fr om a ll adjacent uses by plac ing it t owards t he inside of t he de velopment sit e and plac ing a ll bui ldings t owards t he s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
71.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial spaces wit hin
mixed-use buildings located a t
ground f loor a long primary and
secondary streets.
Common and Private Open Space
Design (4.2.2, S1): Common open
space sized ac cording t o t he
height of adjac ent bui ldings.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, S1): POPOS
visually and physic ally
connected t o t he s treet.
Parking Garage Design
(3.3.5, G3): Parking g arage
screened fr om public realm
by plac ing it under ground.
Form, Proportion, and Scale
(3.1.2, S3): Architectural breaks
in bui lding massing to reduce
the sc ale of lar ge bui ldings.
SECONDARY
STREETPRIMARY
STREET
Façade Design and Articulation
(3.3.1, G3): Special corner
treatments inc orporated.
Massing Relationship to
Context (3.1.1, S1): Stepbacks
provided w hen bui ldings ar e
adjacent t o low-rise
developments.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Entrances Design (3.2.1, S2):
Primary building entrance
directly accessible from t he
public realm.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, S1): POPOS
visually and physic ally
connected t o t he s treet.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Location (2.2.1, G1): Frequent
entrances and op enings
provided.
Common and Private Open Space
Design (4.2.2, S1): Common open
space sized ac cording t o t he
height of adjac ent bui ldings.
Parking Garage Design (3.3.5, G3):
Parking g arage scr eened fr om
the public realm by plac ing it
underground.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Entrances Design (3.2.1, S2):
Primary building entrance is
directly accessible from t he
public realm.
5.1.6 Mid-Rise Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
Description
Mid-rise residential and mixed-use buildings
are typic ally f our t o e ight s tories t all wit h
high-density s tacked f lats ov er p odium
parking. Residents s hare lobby entr ances,
circulation, and amen ity sp aces.
Garage le vels ar e e ither p artially sub-gr ade or
above gr ade and wr apped in active uses such
as housing un its or r etail and c ommercial
spaces. Ground f loor r esidential un its s hould
have individu al entr ances dir ectly fr om
sidewalks, paseos, or op en sp aces t o en liven
the public realm.
General Plan Reference
H-1, H-3, H-4, LU-9, LU-10, LU-11
Fig. 5.15 Mid-rise mixed-use development for large sites -Typical mid-rise mixed-use development on a large site.
Frequent br eaks in t he massing and stepbacks near adjac ent, low er-density de velopment r educe t he sc ale of the lar ge bui lding. The p arking p odium is scr eened fr om t he public realm by r esidential and c ommercial uses.
Fig. 5.16 Mid-rise mixed-use building with façade
articulation, window p atterns, v arying r oof
heights, and sp ecial c orner tr eatment.
Fig. 5.17 Mid-rise mixed-use building with façade
articulation and diff erent façade treatments
such as window p atterns and ma terials f or
ground f loor c ommercial and r esidential uses
on t he f loors a bove.
Fig. 5.14 Mid-rise mixed-use development for small or medium sites - Typical mid-rise, mixed-use development on a medium site with an a lley or int ernal c irculation t o pr ovide ac cess t o t he p arking p odium and a llow f or active residential frontages. Building stepbacks are pr ovided ne ar adjac ent low er-density de velopment.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
72. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Signage (3.3.9, G4):
Pedestrian level signage
matching t he c haracter of t he
neighborhood.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial spaces wit hin
mixed-use buildings located a t
ground f loor a long primary and
secondary streets.
Common and Private Open
Space Design (4.2.2, S1):
Common open space sized
according t o t he he ight of
adjacent bui ldings.
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, G1):
Articulated roof f orms.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Entrances Design (3.2.1, S1, S2):
Pedestrian and bic ycle
entrances lo cated t o b e
accessible fr om primary streets
and public open spaces.
Residential Frontages
(4.1.2, S1): Include a
minimum t hree-foot-deep
frontage zone a t entr ances
to provide tr ansition sp ace.
Façade Design and Articulation
(3.3.1, G3): Special corner
treatments inc orporated.
Parking Garage Design
(3.3.5, G3): Parking g arage
screened fr om public realm
by plac ing it under ground.
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
5.1.7 High-Rise Multifamily Residential and Mixed-Use
Description
High-rise residential and mixed-use
developments are t aller t han e ight s tories.
They pr ovide h igh-density r esidential living
over p odium p arking, wit h s hared lobby
entrances, circulation, and amen ity sp aces.
High-rise buildings ar e suit able f or tr ansit-
oriented, dense, and m ixed-use
neighborhoods and General Plan Growth Areas.
Garage le vels ar e lined wit h r esidential or
commercial uses suc h as housing unit s or re tail
and c ommercial sp aces. Gr ound f loor
residential units s hould hav e individu al
entrances dir ectly fr om side walks, paseos, or
open sp aces t o en liven t he public realm.
General Plan Reference
H-1, H-3, H-4, LU-9, LU-10, LU-11
Fig. 5.18 Mixed-use development with high-rise buildings - Mixed-use development site wit h mid- and high-rise buildings designed su ch t hat t he sc ale and massing of t he bui ldings is pr oportional t o surr ounding de velopments. The parking p odium is scr eened fr om t he public realm by pr oviding active residential and c ommercial frontages.
Common open spaces are pr ovided f or r esidents in b oth mid-and high-rise buildings.
Fig. 5.19 A high-rise development wit h c orner t ower, façade articulation, and b alconies s tepping
down t owards t he p ark .
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
73.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Awnings, Sunshades, and Screens
(3.3.4, G2): Awnings provided t o
highlight primary building entrances.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, S2):
Transparent windows or c lear g lazing
provided f or a t le ast 70% of façade
length a long primary street.
COMMERCIAL OR MIXED-USE STREET RESIDENTIAL STREET
Signage (3.3.9, G3): Building signag e t hat
reflects t he c haracter of int erior use and
maintains human scale at the pedestrian level.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances
Design (3.2.1, S3): Recessed p edestrian
entrances lo cated t o b e ac cessible fr om
primary streets and public open spaces.
Description
A liv e-work sp ace is a du al c ommercial and
residential unit f or a sing le t enant. The y ar e
the pr imary dw elling un its of t he o ccupant
with w orking sp aces lo cated a t t he gr ound
floor. They c an b e a p art of sma ll multi -unit
developments (wit h up t o six un its) or lar ger
multifamily r esidential or mixed-use
developments.
The gr ound f loor tr eatment of liv e-work sp aces
varies dep ending on w hether t hey ar e lo cated
on c ommercial or r esidential s treets.
5.1 RESIDENTIAL
5.1.8 Live-Work Spaces / Ground Floor Office associated with Residential units
Fig. 5.20 Live-work units on c ommercial s treets wit h entrance a long t he side walk and lar ge
windows on t he street-facing façade.
Fig. 5.22 Façade alternatives for live-work spaces - Live-work dev elopments on a commer cial or mix ed-use str eet should be tre ated differ ently than those in a residentia l neig hborhood.
Pedestrian entr ances ar e ac cessible a long primary streets and public open spaces while tr ansparent windows and signag e h ighlight t he c haracter of t he int erior use.
Fig. 5.21 Live-work units on r esidential s treets wit h patios t hat ac t as a tr ansition sp ace b etween
the side walk and s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
74. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Raised house to create first f loor
commercial space.
Expansion t o cr eate c ommercial
space in fr ont of t he lot t owards
the s treet.
Landscaping and Stormwater
Management (2.3.8, G6): Raised
curbs and tr ee gu ards pr ovided t o
protect t he plant s.
Landscaping and Stormwater
Management (2.3.8, G6): Protect
plants wit h r aised cur bs, tr ee
guards, and/or ot her de vices.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances
Design (3.2.1, S2): Direct access for
pedestrians fr om s treet t o primary
building entrances.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S4):
Pedestrian w alkway pr ovided fr om
surface p arking t o primary building
entrance.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, S2): One dr iveway pr ovided
for m id- block parcel with less t han
200' of s treet frontage.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S3):
Surface p arking lo cated b ehind
buildings and scr eened fr om
adjacent sit es.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, S3): Driveway f or c orner lot
located at secondary street.
Form, Proportion, and Scale
(3.1.2, G1): Roof f orms sim ilar t o
surrounding de velopments or
existing bui ldings used.
Ramp added t o ma intain p edestrian ac cessibility
to newly added c ommercial sp aces.
Patio with out door se ating
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
STREET
STREET SECONDARY
STREET
Description
Houses in General Plan Growth Areas are
opportunities f or sma ll-scale business
storefronts and off ices t hat f it w ell wit hin t heir surrounding r esidential ne ighborhoods and
can pr ovide c onvenient lo cal ser vices and
amenities.
General Plan Reference
LU-5, VN-1
5.2 COMMERCIAL
5.2.1 House Conversion to Commercial Use
© Image:https://www.boardandvellum.com/
Fig. 5.25 A house c onversion pr operty wit h addition of ramp for ac cessibility.
Fig. 5.23 Vertical house conversion - Adding a sec ond f loor t o an e xisting bui lding cr eates mor e usa ble c ommercial space w hile s taying in-sc ale wit h t he ne ighborhood, a llows direct access for c ommercial uses, and cr eates an opportunity t o pr ovide p arking f or c ommercial a t t he r ear of t he sit e.
Fig. 5.24 Horizontal house conversion - An addition c an b e used t o cr eate e xpanded sp ace f or a ne w c ommercial use, such as a r etail s tore or r estaurant.
Fig. 5.26 A house c onversion pr operty wit h lar ge
windows f acing t he s treet and addition of
seating in t he o ccupied dec k t o cr eate ac tive
street frontage.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
75.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial uses in mixed-use
building located a t gr ound f loor.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial uses in mixed-use
building located a t gr ound f loor.
New bui lding - multif amily
residential and r etail
New bui lding - off ice and r etail
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances
Design (3.2.1, S2): Primary building
entrance directly accessible from
the public realm.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances
Design (3.2.1, S2): Primary building
entrance directly accessible from
the public realm.
Privately-Owned (and Maintained)
Public Open Space Design (4.2.1, G1):
POPOS with se ating, landscaping,
and ot her r ecreational f acilities.
Privately-Owned (and Maintained)
Public Open Space Design (4.2.1, G1):
POPOS with se ating, landscaping,
and ot her r ecreational f acilities.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, G1): Shared dr iveways f or
adjacent c ommercial sit es
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, G1): Shared dr iveways f or
adjacent c ommercial sit es
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
SINGLE FAMILY
HOMES
SINGLE FAMILY
HOMES
SINGLE FAMILY
HOMES
EXISTING PASEO
EXISTING PASEO
EXISTING PASEO
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
Active Frontages
Open sp aces and Paseos
Description
Commercial corridors ar e s treets lined wit h
one- t o t hree-story t all c ommercial and
mixed-use developments. Commercial
corridors in Ur ban Vi llages and General Plan
Growth Areas can b e denser and hav e t aller
buildings as c ompared t o t hose out side
General Plan Growth Areas. They pr ovide
options f or s hopping, din ing, and ser vices t o
nearby r esidents and ser ve r egional needs.
There ar e t hree ma in de velopment p atterns
within t his typ ology:
■ Developments wit h bui ldings lo cated
towards t he fr ont of p arcels wit h f ew t o no
setbacks. Parking is lo cated b ehind
buildings and ac cessed by a lleys or
secondary streets.
■ Developments wit h bui ldings lo cated on
the r ear of p arcels wit h p arking in fr ont
along t he s treet edg e. The y may s hare
parking lot s and v ehicular c irculation wit h
adjacent pr operties.
■ Developments w here p arking is lo cated a t
the fr ont and/ or side of bui ldings and
there ar e individu al cur b cut s f or t enants.
General Plan Reference
LU-5, LU-8, VN-1
5.2.2 Commercial Corridor
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.28 Existing Commercial Corridor - Existing c ommercial c orridor wit h bui ldings lo cated t owards t he s treet. P arking occupies mos t p art of t he sit e and is lo cated a t t he side and r ear of t he bui lding.
Fig. 5.29 Infill Commercial Corridor development - Introducing inf ill de velopments on c ommercial c orridors pr ovides a rich active frontage and r educes t he imp act of v ehicles and dr iveways on t he public realm. General Plan Growth Areas could hav e t aller bui ldings and less surf ace p arking.
Fig. 5.30 Infill Commercial Corridor development - If a llowed by t he Z oning or dinance or General Plan, introducing inf ill residential and c ommercial bui ldings on c ommercial c orridors cr eates de velopments wit h m ixed uses t hat support e ach ot her. General Plan Growth Areas could hav e t aller bui ldings and less surf ace p arking.
Fig. 5.27 A ne w c ommercial bui lding t hat eng ages t he public realm, has an articulated façade, and
has p arking lo cated b ehind t he bui ldings.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
76. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Privately-Owned (and Maintained)
Public Open Space Design (4.2.1, G1):
Active and passive areas created
within POPOS.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S3):
Parking scr eened fr om public open
space and s treet vie w.
Landscaping and Stormwater
Management (2.3.8, S1): Landscaping to
provide 50% canopy cover at maturity.
Landscaping and Stormwater
Management (2.3.8, S1): Landscaping to
provide 50% canopy cover at maturity.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial uses in mixed-use building
located a t gr ound f loor.
Building Placement (2.3.1, S1): 75% of
ground f loor primary street-facing
building façade within 5' of pr operty line.
Open Space Placement and
Access(2.4.4, G1): POPOS centrally
located and directly accessible from t he
street. Common open space for
residential building o ccupants cr eated
within t he bui lding.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S3):
Parking scr eened fr om public open
space and s treet vie w.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1, G1):
Commercial uses in mixed-use building
located a t gr ound f loor.
Residential Frontages (4.1.2, G1): Active
frontages located a long t he street-facing
building façade.
Multifamily r esidential bui lding.
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
POPOS
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
Open sp aces and Paseos
5.2.3 Commercial Center
Description
Commercial centers pr ovide lo cal s hopping,
dining, and ser vices sim ilar t o c ommercial
streets and s trip ma lls. The y a lso supp ort
larger businesses su ch as gr ocery s tores and
pharmacies t hat hav e wider cus tomer b ases.
Unlike c ommercial s treets, t hey ar e
concentrated on medium or large sites or a
combination of sit es wit h t he same General
Plan land use designa tion. A s c ommercial
development p atterns c hange, t hese c enters
become opp ortunities f or mixed-use
developments that c onnect t he c ommercial
center t o t he surr ounding r esidential
neighborhoods.
General Plan Reference
LU-4, LU-5, LU-8, VN-1
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.31 Commercial center wit h active frontages
towards t he s treet and POPOS located a t t he
corner of t he sit e.
Fig. 5.32 Existing Commercial Center - Most sit e ar ea of t his e xisting c ommercial c enter is c overed by p arking. Some buildings ar e lo cated t owards t he s treet and some ot hers hav e sma ll op en sp aces f or out door se ating.
Fig. 5.33 Renovated Commercial Center with more commercial buildings - New c ommercial bui ldings added t o densify the commercial cent er, provide active frontages towards the str eet, and redu ce the neg ative impac ts of par king on t he public realm.
Fig. 5.34 Renovated Commercial Center with new commercial and residential buildings - If a llowed by t he Z oning Ordinance or General Plan, addition of r esidential bui ldings t o e xisting c ommercial c enters le ads t o m ixed-use commercial centers wit h a v ariety of uses t hat supp ort e ach ot her.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
77.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Privately-Owned (and
Maintained) Public Open
Space Design (4.2.1, G1):
Active and passive areas
created wit hin POPOS.
Privately-Owned (and
Maintained) Public Open
Space Design (4.2.1, G1):
POPOS designed t o ma intain
visibility b etween side walks
and t he bui lding frontage.
Parking Garage Design
(3.3.5, G3): Parking s tructures
screened fr om s treets and
sidewalks.
New p arking s tructure added
to support t he ne w bui ldings.
New bui lding additions.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, G1): Open
spaces cr eated t o tr ansition
between t he public realm and
ground- f loor uses.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, S2): Central
common open space
accessible fr om a ll adjac ent
buildings in t he de velopment.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1,
G1): Commercial uses in
mixed-use building located a t
ground f loor.
Commercial Frontages (4.1.1,
G1): Commercial uses in
mixed-use building located a t
ground f loor.
Block Size (2.1.3, G3):
New s treets and paseos
aligned t o e xisting s treets
and p edestrian r outes.
Block Size (2.1.3, G3): New
streets and paseos aligned t o
existing s treets and
pedestrian r outes.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
located b ehind bui ldings. SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
Open sp aces and Paseos
Renovation/New S tructure
Existing Bui ldings
Open sp aces and Paseos
5.2.4 Office Buildings - Low-Rise and Mid-Rise
Description
Low and mid-rise office bui ldings, one t o t hree
and f our t o e ight s tories r espectively, pr ovide space f or c ommunity-oriented c ommercial
enterprises. Common t enants inc lude do ctors,
dentists, lawyers, accountants, and ot her
small-scale businesses t hat pr ovide nec essary
services f or r esidents.
General Plan Reference
LU-2, LU-4, LU-8, VN-1
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.35 Renovated office development - New bui ldings and r enovations designed t o provide active primary street frontage, publicly-accessible op en sp ace, and c lear, saf e p edestrian p aths. A ne w g arage designed t o mee t t he requirements of t he ne w off ice bui ldings and scr eened fr om t he public realm using façade treatments.
Fig. 5.36 Infill office development - An inf ill de velopment t hat uses p arking s tructures ins tead of surf ace p arking t o enable a gr eater amount of c ommercial sp ace w hile s till having op en sp aces as areas of relief for t he bui lding occupants. The de velopment has a c ampus-like envir onment wit h paseos, clear p edestrian r outes, and internal circulation and block patterns t hat ar e c ompatible wit h t he surr ounding s treets.
Fig. 5.37 Low-rise and mid-rise office bui ldings wit h decks and b alconies f acing an adjac ent p ark.
Fig. 5.38 Enlargement of active frontages in Fig.5.35.
Fig. 5.39 Enlargement of active frontages in Fig.5.36.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
78. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Parking Garage Design
(3.3.5, G4): Carports on t he r oof
of p arking g arages f or
renewable ener gy g eneration
using phot ovoltaic p anels
Parking Garage Design (3.3.5, S1):
Active frontages at t he gr ound
floor of p arking g arages a t
street-facing façade.
Common and Private Open
Space Design (4.2.2, G1):
Common open spaces visually
and physic ally c onnected t o
common int erior amen ities.
Massing Relationship to Context
(3.1.1, S1, S2): Stepbacks
provided f or bui ldings adjac ent
to General Plan land uses wit h
permitted he ights low er t han t he
development sit e
SECONDARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S4):
Mechanical equipment
screened fr om public vie w.
© Image: Tim Griffith
5.2.5 Office Buildings - High-Rise
Description
High-rise office bui ldings ar e e ight s tories or
taller and pr ovide lo cations f or lar ger
companies or a c ollection of medium-siz ed
organizations. High-rise offices need t o
manage t he imp acts of incr eased dr iveways
and p arking ar eas demands on p edestrian
circulation and t he public realm.
General Plan Reference
LU-2, LU-4, LU-8, VN-1
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.40 New high-rise development - A ne w high-rise development t hat es tablishes an active frontage on a primary street, concentrates p arking and dr iveways t o t he r ear of t he sit e, and pr ovides common open spaces. The project uses p arking s tructures r ather t han surf ace p arking t o uti lize t he sit e e fficiently and antic ipate any future gr owth.
Fig. 5.41 Open sp aces f or high-rise commercial buildings physic ally and visu ally c onnected t o bui ldings on sit e and designed t o pr ovide areas of relief for t he bui lding o ccupants.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
79.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
located b ehind bui ldings and
screened fr om t he s treet and
adjacent non-c ommercial uses.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Street-facing bui lding façade
articulated using c olumns,
façade plane c hanges, and
material changes.
PRIMARY
STREET
Description
Data c enters ar e bui ldings t hat house lar ge
networked c omputer sys tems t hat s tore,
process, manage, and dis tribute lar ge
amounts of dig ital inf ormation. Sinc e t hese
facilities house sensitiv e equipment , t hey do
not hav e t he typic al c haracteristics of
commercial buildings. When designed wit hout
proper c onsiderations, a da ta c enter may
resemble a w arehouse.
It is imp erative t o design da ta c enters t hat
interact wit h t he public realm and add t o t he
character of t heir surr oundings, esp ecially
when t hey ar e lo cated ne ar active streets,
pedestrian ar eas, or designa ted Growth Areas.
General Plan Reference
IE-4, LU-2, LU-4, LU-8
5.2.6 Data Centers
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.42 Data c enter wit h lar ge, f lexible int erior sp aces t hat c an ac commodate e lectrical and mec hanical sys tems. The building has façade articulations using c olumns, façade plane c hanges, and ma terial c hanges.
Fig. 5.43 A da ta c enter in an ur ban ar ea wit h façade articulation, special corner tr eatment and upp er f loors setback from the s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
80. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
FRONT PORTE-COCHÈRE
(Outside Growth Areas)
SIDE PORTE-COCHÈRE
(In Growth Areas and Ur ban Vi llages)
INTEGRATED PORTE-COCHÈRE
(In Growth Areas and Ur ban Vi llages)
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
located b ehind bui ldings and
screened fr om public vie w.
Commercial Frontages
(4.1.1, G1): Active frontages
provided on gr ound f loors
along s treets.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Entrances Design (3.2.1, S1, S2):
Direct pedestrian access
provided fr om t he public realm
to primary building entrance.
Vehicular Entrances and
Driveways (3.2.2, G3):
Porte-cochères a t side or r ear
of pr operties.
Signage (3.3.9, G3): Building
signs designed t o r eflect t he
type of int erior use.
Common and Private Open
Space Design (4.2.2, G2):
Access t o out doors pr ovided
for a ll bui lding o ccupants.
PRIMARY
STREET
Description
Hotels and mot els pr ovide s hort-term lo dging
and ar e imp ortant ec onomic dr ivers in c ities
that supp ort businesses and hos t c ommunity
events. Hotels and mot els need t o f ocus on
transit c onnections and t he public realm in
General Plan Growth Areas.
General Plan Reference
CD-1, LU-4, LU-8, VN-1
5.2.7 Hotels and Motels
5.2 COMMERCIAL
PRIMARY
STREET
COMMERCIAL
USE
COMMERCIAL
USE
COMMERCIAL
USE
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Fig. 5.44 A hot el wit h f ocus on p edestrian c irculation ov er dr iveways and active frontage along primary street frontage, such as r estaurants, g ym, and lobby , t o b e directly accessible from t he public realm.
Fig. 5.46 Hotel entrance design alternatives - Comparison of p orte-cochère designs t hat pr ioritize p edestrian ac cess and dr iveways, t o diff erent de grees, dep ending on t he General Plan Growth Area and adjac ent uses.
Fig. 5.45 Pedestrian and bic ycle entr ance f or a hot el from t he s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
81.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
located b ehind bui ldings and
screened fr om public vie w.
Parking Garage Design
(3.3.5, S1): Parking g arage
lined wit h c ommercial uses
at gr ound f loor t o scr een
them fr om public vie w.
Commercial Frontages
(4.1.1, G1): Active frontages
provided on gr ound f loors
along s treets.
Commercial Frontages
(4.1.1, G1): Active frontages
provided on gr ound f loors
along s treets.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, G1): Open
spaces cr eated t o tr ansition
between t he public realm
and gr ound f loor uses.
Privately-Owned (and
Maintained) Public Open
Space (4.2.1, G1): POPOS
visibly and physic ally
distinguished fr om public
rights-of-way by using
elements su ch as landscaping
and out door se ating.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façade
towards t he s treet.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façade
towards t he s treet.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S2, S4):
Driveway lo cated on
secondary street. Only one
driveway lo cated on primary
street since t he lot widt h is
less t han 200 f eet.
Open or
covered
amenities.SECONDARY
STREET
Potential future e xpansion
or de velopment
© Image:Mark Davidson-2017
Description
Entertainment c enters ar e f acilities t hat
provide a c ombination of ar cades, amusement
areas, and indo or t heme p arks and ar e oft en
marketed t owards f amilies and lar ger gr oups.
They may inc orporate out door ac tivities su ch
as dr iving r anges as w ell as passive
entertainment su ch as r estaurants and b ars.
They ar e usu ally in h ighly-visible lo cations and
need t o hav e bui lding entr ances t hat he lp
improve t he public realm.
General Plan Reference
IE-5, LU-4, VN-1
5.2.8 Entertainment Centers
5.2 COMMERCIAL
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Fig. 5.48 Entertainment center in outside General Plan Growth Areas - An ent ertainment c enter lo cated out side General Plan Growth Areas that has a h ighly visi ble façade and direct access from t he public realm that c an double as a drop-off ar ea . All parking is plac ed t owards t he side and r ear of t he sit e and is scr eened fr om public vie w using landscaping.
Fig. 5.50 An ent ertainment c enter wit h a lar ge op en space me ant t o b e used f or dr op-offs and
outdoor ac tivities.
Fig. 5.47 Entertainment center within General Plan Growth Area - An ent ertainment c enter in a General Plan Growth Area that has a h ighly visi ble façade and direct access from t he public realm that c an double as a POPOS. A parking g arage r educes t he amount of surf ace p arking su ch t hat t he sit e ar ea c an b e uti lized f or bui ldings, open sp aces, and p edestrian c irculation e fficiently.
Fig. 5.49 An ent ertainment c enter wit h an articulated primary building entrance.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
82. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
and dr op-off scr eened fr om
adjacent pr operties using
landscape buffer.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, G1): On-site
parking and dr op-off designed
to minimize dr iveways.
School uses scr eened fr om
adjacent lot s wit h diff erent
General Plan land uses, using
fences and landscaping.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S4):
Direct pedestrian access
provided fr om t he s treet.
PRIMARY
STREET
RESIDENTIAL USES
RESIDENTIAL USES
COMMERCIAL USES
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S4): Driveway
from secondary street with
parking lo cated a t t he side of
the sit e.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S4):
Direct pedestrian access
provided fr om t he s treet.
Privately-Owned (and
Maintained) Public Open
Space (4.2.1, G1): POPOS
visibly and physic ally
distinguished fr om t hrough
traffic using landscaping.
Active Frontages (2.3.2, S1):
Active frontages with uses
such as off ices, ac tivity
rooms, and g yms lo cated
towards t he s treet. RESIDENTIAL USES
PRIMARY
STREET
SECONDARY
STREET
Description
Schools need t o b e saf ely ac cessible f or
pedestrians and v ehicles. The y s hould b e
developed t o en hance t he edu cational
environment and pr oject a p ositive imag e t o
the surr ounding c ommunity. In addition t o
classrooms and la boratories, sc hools s hould
have out door ac tivity ar eas f or a ll s tudents.
Elements of sit e de velopment inc lude t he
harmonious blend of sc hool sit e, p erimeters,
parking lot s, and adjac ent s treets. Aes thetic
appeal and e ase of ma intenance ar e
paramount c oncerns.
With r espect t o t he adjac ent ne ighbors,
examine t he lo cation and pr oximity t o noisy
building mec hanical equipment .
General Plan Reference
CE-2, MS-11, EC-6, ES-1, ES-2, PR-2, PR-8, VN-1
5.2.9 Schools
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Surface p arking
screened fr om adjac ent
residential uses
Active frontage
along s treets
Additional parking
for s taff scr eened
from adjac ent
residential uses
Fig. 5.51 Mid-Block School in a General Plan Growth Area or designated Urban Village - A sc hool in a General Plan Growth Area or designa ted Ur ban Vi llage wit h bui ldings or iented t owards t he s treet, direct pedestrian access from t he public realm, and scr eened fr om adjac ent uses.
Fig. 5.52 Mid-Block School outside General Plan Growth Areas - A sc hool out side General Plan Growth Areas with buildings or iented t owards t he s treet, on-sit e p arking, off -site dr op-off ar eas, and dir ect pedestrian access from the public realm.
Fig. 5.53 An ur ban m id- block school with bui ldings active frontages oriented t owards t he s treet,
multiple p edestrian c onnections fr om t he
public realm, and m inimum num ber of
driveways.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
83.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Building Placement (2.3.1, G2):
Building plac ed t o cr eate edg es
and pr ovide de finition f or s treets.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Location (2.2.1, S4): Pedestrian
connections fr om t he s treet and
parking t o bui lding entr ances.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Entrances
Design (3.2.1, S1): At le ast one
pedestrian entr ance pr ovided a t
public s treet f or a bui lding wit h
multiple entr ances.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S3):
Surface p arking, fu eling, and ot her
vehicular ac tivities scr eened fr om
adjacent pr operties using
landscape buffer.
Services and Utilities Access and
Location (2.2.3, G3): Utility
enclosures and fu eling equipment
located t owards t he side or r ear of
site and scr eened fr om adjac ent
properties.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, S3) - Only one dr iveway
provided on e ach s treet f or t his
corner p arcel a t t he f arthest lo cation
from t he s treet int ersection.
Description
Fueling and Char ging S tations ac commodate
large v olumes of v ehicles and off er
convenience r etail s hopping as a sec ondary
use. They oft en hav e c ar w ash f acilities t hat
could b e op erated by t he s tation s taff or
self-serve.
Driveways and c irculation p atterns need t o
smoothly hand le lar ge v olumes of v ehicles,
without t he e xpense of p edestrian saf ety and
comfort. Fueling, charging, and ot her
mechanical equipment needs t o b e scr eened
from any c ommercial uses on-sit e.
The ur ban context of fu eling and c harging
stations de termines sit e design and
orientation. Any bui lding lo cated on a fu eling
station sit e s hould c onform wit h t he
appropriate s tandards and guide lines b ased
on it s use.
General Plan Reference
LU-4, TR-5, VN-1
5.2.10 Fueling and Charging Stations
PRIMARY S TREET
SECONDARY S TREET
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.54 Fueling Station with High Pedestrian Connectivity - A fu eling s tation a long a c ommercial s treet, major tr ansit line, or in an ar ea designa ted f or a futur e Ur ban Vi llage wit h c irculation p atterns t hat c an ac commodate lar ge volumes of v ehicles wit hout sacr ificing p edestrian saf ety. The bui lding de fines t he edg e of t he sit e and off ers an opp ortunity f or direct pedestrian access.
Fig. 5.55 A fu eling s tation wit h c ar w ashing f acilities and a sma ll r estaurant. The restaurant is scr eened fr om t he v ehicular ser vices using f ences and t he blank wall is c overed wit h landscaping.
Fig. 5.56 A fu eling s tation wit h t he bui lding plac ed t owards t he s treet and fu eling equipment scr eened fr om adjac ent sit es.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
84. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S3): Driveway
located on secondary street for
corner lot .
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1): A
rhythm of c olumns and
windows pr ovided t o
articulate the bui lding façade.
Pedestrian entr ance
from p arking
Auto entrance
for ser vices
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S3):
Primary building entrance
accessible fr om t he public
realm.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
screened fr om adjac ent
properties.
SECONDARY
STREET
Potential future e xpansion
or de velopment
Description
Vehicle de alerships and aut o-service c enters
sell new and used v ehicles in h ighly-visible
parking lot s and displays. Sma ll-scale
dealerships and aut o-service c enters pr imarily
sell used or r e-sold v ehicles wit hin c ommercial
corridors, mixed-use ar eas, and designa ted
Urban Vi llage ar eas. Lar ge-scale de alerships
are g enerally lo cated in indus trial ar eas and
places wit h less p edestrian c onnectivity.
General Plan Reference
FS-2, LU-4, TR-5
5.2 COMMERCIAL
5.2.11 Vehicle Dealerships and Auto Service Facility
PRIMARY
STREET
Fig. 5.57 Small-Scale Dealerships or Auto Services - A sma ll-scale de alership and aut o-service c enter wit h scr eened parking and an articulated street-facing building façade . Vehicle ac cess is pr ovided fr om t he secondary street and designed t o not imp ede direct pedestrian access from t he side walk.
Fig. 5.58 An aut o ser vice f acility and used c ar de alership wit h active uses like adm inistration f acing t he s treet and minimal parking lo cated a t t he side of t he de velopment.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
85.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Building Placement (2.3.1, G2):
Buildings plac ed a t s treet
edges t o pr ovide de finition f or
streets.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3, G1): Surface p arking
located t owards t he side or
rear of bui ldings.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Location (2.2.1, S4): Pedestrian
connections fr om t he s treet
and p arking t o bui lding
entrances.
DRIVE-THROUGH AT
CORNER PARCEL
DRIVE-THROUGH AT
MID-BLOCK PARCEL
Landscaping and Stormwater
Management (2.3.8, S1):
Landscaping to provide 50%
canopy cover at maturity.
Description
The design of dr ive-throughs oft en pr ioritizes
vehicular c irculation ov er p eople ac cessing t he
building fr om t he s treet or on-sit e p arking.
The context of dr ive-throughs de termines t he
types of dr ive-through designs t hat ar e
allowed.
General Plan Reference
LU-4, LU-5, TR-5, VN-1
5.2 COMMERCIAL
5.2.12 Drive-Through Uses
Fig. 5.59 A dr ive-through out side General Plan Growth Areas and a p art of a c ommercial c orridor. The bui lding is plac ed towards t he s treet and designed wit h an architectural idea similar t o t he adjac ent bui ldings. The dr ive-through provides enoug h sp ace b ehind t he bui lding f or se veral c ars t o line up a t t he pic k-up window .
Fig. 5.60 Drive-Through outside General Plan Growth Areas - Comparison of dr ive-throughs out side General Plan Growth Areas at a c orner p arcel and a t an int ernal p arcel. Bot h ma intain direct pedestrian access from t he side walk by lo cating t he bui lding in t he fr ont c orner of t he sit e and m inimizing cur b cut s and dr iveways. Dr ive-throughs ar e not a llowed wit hin Growth Areas and designa ted Ur ban Vi llages.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
86. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S2): Up to 2
driveways pr ovided p er 200'
of s treet frontage.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Articulated building façade
along primary street.
Service and Utilities Access and
Location (2.3.3, G3): Loading
bay f or tru cks scr eened fr om
street and adjac ent sit es.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Parking scr eened
from adjac ent de velopments
with diff erent General Plan
land use designa tions.
NON-COMMERCIAL USES
NON-COMMERCIAL USES
NON-COMMERCIAL USES
NON-COMMERCIAL USES
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1, G3):
Special corner tr eatment and
articulated building façade
along primary street.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, S2): Up to 2
driveways pr ovided p er 200'
of s treet frontage.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Parking scr eened
from adjac ent de velopments
with diff erent General Plan
land use designa tions.
Potential future e xpansion
or de velopment
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S3):
Primary building entrance
placed a long s treet.
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
Description
Warehouses ar e used f or c ommercial bulk
storage, wholesaling, or dis tribution and
generate he avy tru ck tr affic.
Self-service s torage f acilities c an b e divided
into many sma ll c ompartments f or p eople t o
rent out and t emporarily s tore it ems fr om t heir
residence or business.
General Plan Reference
LU-6, LU-7
5.2.13 Warehouses and Self-Service Storage
5.2 COMMERCIAL
Fig. 5.61 Warehouse - A w arehouse w here active uses su ch as manag ement off ices and lobbies ar e lo cated a t t he s treet frontage and tru ck lo ading b ays ar e lo cated t o t he r ear of t he pr operty aw ay fr om t he public realm.
Fig. 5.62 Self-storage facility - A multi -level se lf-service s torage f acility wit h façade articulation that ma tches t he character of t he surr ounding c ommercial bui ldings. It ac commodates pr ivate v ehicular tr affic, r ather t han larger c ommercial or indus trial v ehicles and has an active use with direct pedestrian access from t he public realm.
Fig. 5.63 A se lf-storage f acility wit h articulated façade and active frontage towards t he s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
87.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Building façade articulated
using ar chitectural e lements
such as windows, c olumns,
and sunshades.
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Building façade articulated
using ar chitectural e lements
such as windows, c olumns,
and sunshades.
Signage (3.3.9, G3): Building
signage r eflects t he c haracter
of t he uses.
Services and Utilities Access
and Location (2.2.3, S3, G3):
Service equipment lo cated t o
the side of t he bui lding and
screened fr om t he public
realm using landscaping.
Services and Utilities Access
and Location (2.2.3, S3, G3):
Service equipment lo cated t o
the side of t he bui lding and
screened fr om t he public
realm using landscaping.
Roofs and Parapets (3.3.2, S4):
All rooftop equipment
screened fr om public vie w.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S3):
Primary building entrance
placed a long s treet.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S3):
Primary building entrance
placed a long s treet.
Driveways and Vehicle Drop-offs
(2.2.2, G3): Driveways lo cated t o
the side of t he de velopment sit e.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, G3):
Driveways lo cated t o t he side
of t he de velopment sit e.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, S1): Publicly
accessible op en spaces plac ed
to be visi ble fr om public realm.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Surface p arking
located t owards t he side or
rear of t he bui lding and
screened fr om adjac ent
developments.
Security Ga te
NON-INDUSTRIAL USES
© Image: Johnson Fain
PRIMARY
STREET
PRIMARY
STREET
NON-INDUSTRIAL USES
© Image:Emily Hagopian Photography; Design by - Gensler Description
Industrial research and de velopment (R&D)
facilities ar e c ommercial or indus trial off ices
with lar ge op en f loor pla tes t hat a llow f or
flexible op erations and use of sp ace. R&D
facilities ar e designed t o supp ort innov ative
work and enc ourage w orker c ollaboration in
the sc ientific, t echnology, and biot echnology
industries. They may b e ne w c onstruction or
adaptive-reuse pr ojects in indus trial bui ldings
and w arehouses.
General Plan Reference
IE-4, LU-6, LU-7, LU-8
5.3 INDUSTRIAL
5.3.1 Industrial Research and Development
Fig. 5.64 R&D Facilities in Growth Areas - An indus trial or c ommercial R&D de velopment wit hin General Plan Growth Area designed wit h t he bui lding lo cated c lose t o t he primary street edge, special corner tr eatment, primary building entrance accessible fr om t he public realm, and a ll p arking lo cated t owards t he r ear of t he sit e.
Fig. 5.65 R&D Facilities outside of General Plan Growth Areas - An indus trial or c ommercial R&D de velopment out side General Plan Growth Areas with t he bui lding lo cated c lose t o t he primary street edge, special corner tr eatment, and primary building entrance accessible fr om t he public realm.
Fig. 5.66 Entrance plaz a a t t he c orner of t he indus trial R&D development t hat ac ts as an area of
relief for t he bui lding o ccupants and he lps
bring t he bui lding t o human scale.
Fig. 5.67 A sp ecial c orner tr eatment a t t he primary building entrance accessible fr om t he s treet.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
88. SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Façade Design and
Articulation (3.3.1, S1):
Building façade articulated
using ar chitectural e lements
such as windows, c olumns,
and sunshades.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Access Location (2.2.1, S3):
Pedestrian c onnections fr om
the s treet and p arking t o
primary building entrances.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, G3):
Driveways lo cated t o t he side
or r ear of de velopment sit es.
Services and Utilities Access
and Location (2.2.3, S3, G3):
Utilities plac ed t o m inimize
the visu al and physic al
impact on t he public realm.
Vehicular Parking Placement
and Surface Parking Design
(2.3.6, S3): Parking scr eened
from adjac ent de velopments.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access
Location (2.2.1, S3):
Pedestrian c onnections fr om
the s treet and p arking t o
primary building entrances.
Driveways and Vehicle
Drop-offs (2.2.2, G3):
Driveways lo cated t o t he side
or r ear end of sit es.
Vehicular Parking Placement and
Surface Parking Design (2.3.6, S3):
Parking screened from adjacent lots
with diff erent General Plan land use
designations wit h f ences and
landscaping.
Services and Utilities Access
and Location (2.2.3, G3):
Utilities plac ed a t t he side of
the de velopment sit e.
Mitigating Blank Walls (4.1.3, S1):
Blank walls and unoccupied spaces
along indus trial and c ommercial
façades minimized.
Open Space Placement and
Access (2.3.4, G1): Open
spaces cr eated t o tr ansition
between t he public realm and
ground f loor uses.
RESIDENTIAL, MIXED-USE,
OR GROWTH AREAS
PRIMARY
STREET
INDUSTRIAL USES
NON-INDUSTRIAL USES
NON-INDUSTRIAL USES
NON-INDUSTRIAL USES
PRIMARY
STREET
Potential future e xpansion
or de velopment
5.3.2 Industrial - General
5.3 INDUSTRIAL
Description
Industrial developments inc lude f acilities su ch
as lig ht and he avy indus trial uses, c ombined
industrial commercial uses, and
manufacturing, processing, and r ecycling.
Offices and other active uses should be located
facing t he s treet t o eng age t he public realm.
These f acilities ar e typic ally sp ace-intensive,
have lar ge op en plan sp aces, and r equire lar ge
vehicle/truck access and c irculation.
General Plan Reference
EC-1, LU-6, LU-7, LU-8, TR-5
5.3.3 Auto Dismantling
Description
Automobile dismant ling f acilities ar e
businesses t hat ser vice and/ or pr ocess
vehicles. Auto dismantling businesses, a lso
called wr ecking y ards, sa lvage y ard, jun kyards,
and scr apyards, ar e f acilities t hat pr ocess and
break down v ehicles. Car s may b e s tripped f or
parts and scr ap me tal t hat c an b e r eused or
recycled. Partial or w hole v ehicles ar e
disposed of and sent t o r ecycling c enters.
General Plan Reference
EC-1, LU-6, LU-7, LU-8, TR-5
Fig. 5.68 Industrial Development - An indus trial de velopment wit h off ices and ot her active uses located t owards t he street t o eng age t he public realm and ser vices, uti lities, and ot her indus trial op erations lo cated t owards t he rear of t he sit e and scr eened by landscaping and f ences.
Fig. 5.69 Auto Repair and Dismantling Development - An aut o dismant ling de velopment wit h active frontages facing General Plan Residential and Mix ed-Use designa tions or Growth Areas. Industrial uses ar e scr eened t o ensur e that no v ehicle s torage ar eas, dismant led c ars, or c ar p arts ar e visi ble fr om t he s treet and adjac ent non- industrial uses.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
89.SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT TYPES
Page int entionally le ft blan k.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
90. AppendixA.0
A.1 Glossary ............................................................. 91 A.2 Common and Pr ivate Op en Sp ace Design .............................. 96 EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
91.GLOSSARY
A.1 Glossary
A.1 GLOSSARY
Accessible P edestrian Connec tion - A p ath or
walkway t hat c onnects one plac e t o anot her
and is f or use by a ll p edestrians, irr espective of their physic al a bilities. Su ch p aths ar e oft en
shared by bic yclists.
Active U ses - U ses and o ccupancy typ es t hat
encourage ac tual or visu al eng agement
between bui lding t enants and t he public.
Examples inc lude but ar e not lim ited t o r etail
storefronts, bars and r estaurants,
entertainment v enues and businesses,
personal services businesses, art g alleries,
gyms and f itness s tudios, off ices, sa lons, e tc.
Active F rontages - Bui lding fr ontages wit h
occupied spaces that enc ourage eng agement
between t he bui lding t enants and t he public
realm. They a llow visu al or physic al ac cess t o
the active uses within t he bui lding fr om
streets, sidewalks, and paseos.
ADA-accessible Un its - A DA s tands f or
Americans wit h Disa bilities Ac t. An A DA
accessible un it/apartment is one t hat is
designed t o ac commodate t enants/residents
with physic al disa bilities. The y c an b e used
and r ented by any one but ar e designed t o
meet t he sp ecial r equirements of t he
Americans wit h Disa bilities Ac t.
Albedo - The pr oportion of t he inc ident lig ht
or r adiation t hat is r eflected by a surf ace.
Areas of R elief - Sp aces out side a bui lding t hat are designed f or p eople t o t ake a br eak or
interval from t heir w orkspace t o r est or g ather
for so cial int eractions.
Architectural Idea - A design c oncept t hat
considers t he bui lding as a w hole and f ocuses
on t he intr icacies of individu al p arts of a
building, including massing, façades, and
other elements suc h tha t the y are co ordinated,
follow t he same design sc heme, and hav e one
comprehensive s tory.
Articulation - The w ay p ortions of a bui lding
form ar e e xpressed (ma terials, c olor, t exture,
pattern, modulation, etc.) and c ome t ogether
to define t he s tructure.
Awning - A s heet of c anvas or ot her ma terial
stretched on a fr ame and used t o k eep t he sun
or r ain off a s torefront, window , do orway, or
deck. It is a typ e of sunshade.
Awning Sign - A sign int egrally a ttached or
imprinted on t he f ace of an awning or bui lt as a
part of an awning.
Base (of bui lding) - The b ottom sec tion of
buildings, including t he gr ound f loor le vel and
up to the t hird s tory or 50 f eet h igh, w hichever
is h igher, t hat f orms t he primary street façade
and p edestrian int erface.
Bird-safe P attern - A p attern on t he g lass
intended t o r educe bir d c ollisions. The p attern
must b e visi ble t o bir ds fr om t he e xterior of t he building and hav e lines, c ircular, or squ are
markers a t le ast 0.25 inc hes in widt h or
diameter, spaced a t mos t f our inc hes ap art
vertically and tw o inc hes ap art hor izontally.
Bird Saf ety T reatment - Building tr eatments or
methods t o r educe t he li kelihood of bir d
collisions. These tr eatments mus t inc lude a t
least one or a c ombination of t he f ollowing -
exterior scr eens, louv ers, gr illes, s hutters, or
bird-safe patterns as r ecommended by t he
American Bir d Conser vancy.
Blade or Fin Sign - A tw o-sided pr ojecting sign
mounted on a bui lding façade, storefront p ole,
or a surf ace p erpendicular t o t he norma l f low
of tr affic, int ended t o b e vie wed fr om e ither side. These signs ar e one of t he mos t e ffective
ways of a ttracting f oot tr affic int o an
establishment.
Blank Façade or W all - Any p ortion of a
streetwall that do es not hav e windows or do ors
that a llow int eraction wit h t he public realm.
Block - The ar ea b ounded by public s treet
rights-of-way, by public ly-owned op en sp ace,
or by uti lity or tr ansportation p arcels (su ch as
railroads).
Box Sign - A sign t hat is se lf-enclosed, typic ally
in a squ are or r ectangular s tructure, wit h or
without int ernal lig hting.
BUG (Backlight/Uplight/Glare) - A lig hting
classification sys tem t hat me asures n ighttime
luminaire p erformance. The w ord “ BUG” is an
acronym f or Bac klight, Uplig ht, and Glar e. A ll
three ar e f orms of s tray lig ht t hat c an b e
emitted fr om a f ixture. A lthough e ach do es
have p ositive uses in c ertain applic ations, t hey
are g enerally c onsidered “ bad” lig ht, as t hey
are not pr actical f or use.
■ LED Fixture Bac klight: Bac klight, a lso
known as lig ht tr espass, r efers t o t he lig ht
emitting fr om b ehind a f ixture. Th is lig ht
usually pr otrudes outw ards or t owards t he
ground, illuminating an ar ea t hat is not
intended t o b e i lluminated.
■ Luminaire Uplig ht: Uplig ht is t he lig ht t hat
shines upw ards fr om a f ixture t owards t he
sky, hence t he a lternate t erm “ skyglow” .
This s tray lig ht is r esponsible f or t he lig ht
pollution oft en seen in lar ge c ities. In
exterior lig hting, any uplig ht is w asted
light, as it is not dir ected t owards p eople.
Uplight a lso blo cks out t he vie w of t he
stars and t he mo on.
■ Nighttime Glar e: Glar e, or f orward lig ht, is
sometimes c alled “ offensive lig ht” b ecause
that is e xactly w hat it do es f or mos t p eople.
This lig ht, w hich c an b e r eflected or
directed, makes it v ery diff icult f or p eople
to see, especially w hen it s hines dir ectly
into their e yes. It is esp ecially dang erous
when op erating a mot or v ehicle a t n ight.
Glare c an b e r educed by using lig hts t hat
are not as br ight or by se lecting a lig ht wit h
a dis tribution p attern t hat is appr opriate
for y our int ended use.
Canopy (c over, tr ees) - The diame ter of t he
tree dr ipline a t maturity.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
92. GLOSSARY
City-standard Dr iveway - The design of
driveways r equired by t he Dep artment of
Public Wor ks f or t he City of San José as
described her e, as amended: https://www.
sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/
public-works/resources/standard-details-and-
specifications.
Common Op en Sp ace - Pr ivately-owned and
controlled out door sp aces f or use by a ll t he
tenants and visit ors or a de velopment, su ch as
courtyards.
Conceal - Hide or k eep fr om sig ht or public
view by using ar chitectural e lements.
Context - The c haracteristics of t he bui ldings,
streetscape, and landscape that supp orts or
surrounds a g iven bui lding, sit e, or ar ea su ch
as pr edominance of p eriod ar chitecture or
materials, wide side walks, c ontinuous and
overhead w eather pr otection, or c onsistent
street tr ees.
Continuous Soi l T rench - A c ontinuous tr ench
that s tretches fr om tr ee t o tr ee, some times
under p aving s trengthened by r einforcement,
that gr eatly incr eases t he soi l v olume av ailable to each tr ee. Continu ous soi l tr enches and
other t echnologies, inc luding soil cells, allow
for t he e xpansion of r oot sys tems, r educe soi l
compaction, and c an incr ease t he long evity of
street tr ees.
Cornice - A molded and pr ojecting hor izontal
feature t hat cr owns a façade.
Detached Sign - Any sign t hat is not a ttached
to a bui lding but is c onnected t o t he gr ound.
Direct Ac cess - A c onnection or ac cess
between tw o lo cations un interrupted by
vehicular tr affic.
Eyes-on-the-street - The t heory t hat c itizens
unconsciously se lf-police public sp aces t hat
are liv ely and h igh tr affic. De veloped by ur ban
theorist Jane Jac obs.
Façade - Any e xterior f ace or w all of a bui lding.
Finished Flo or - Fin ished f loor le vel r efers t o the upp ermost surf ace of a f loor onc e
construction has b een c ompleted and a ll f loor
finishes hav e b een applied.
Flare-out Op ening - An op ening t hat widens
more t han t he widt h of t he p ath le ading t o it .
Frequent Ne twork - The Sant a Clar a V alley
Transportation A uthority (VT A) c ore tr ansit
routes t hat pr ovide sc heduled ser vice e very 15
or f ewer m inutes a ll day on w eekdays. VT A’s
Frequent Ne twork inc ludes a ll lig ht r ail lines,
rapid lines, and r oute num bers. F requency and
routes num ber ar e sub ject t o c hange by VT A.
Front Do or Ac cess- An entr ance t o a dw elling
unit t hat op ens int o a ha llway, c irculation, or
living sp ace and not a b edroom.
Frontage (Bui lding)- The bui lding façade
facing a s treet or public open space.
Frontage (Sit e) - The widt h of t he sit e a long a
street or public open space.
Frontage (S treet) - The pr operty line or p art of
the sit e f acing a s treet or public open space.
Frontage Z one - The ar ea b etween t he
through w ay (t he ma in p edestrian w alking
space) and adjac ent pr operty, w hich may
accommodate p edestrian-oriented ac tivities
and e lements, su ch as s treet furn iture,
planting, café se ating, and out door r etail
displays. It c an ac t as a buff er b etween
doorways and ot her entr ies br idging pr ivate
and public sp aces.
Furnishing Z one - An ar ea t hat may c ontain
landscaping, street furn iture, tr ansit s tops, and
wayfinding signs. It is pr imarily int ended as an
extended buff er z one b etween p edestrians
and v ehicles, and a sp ace f or p edestrians t o
linger in t he public open space of t he s treet.
Gateway Sites - Sit es or lo cations a t t he edg e
of a ne ighborhood, Vi llage Cor e, or ot her
districts. They dir ect visit ors t owards t he int o a new plac e via monument s, ar chitectural
character and sc ale, landscaping, or signag e.
General Plan - Envision San José 2040 Gener al
Plan.
Green R oof - A r oof t hat is p artially or
completely c overed wit h v egetation and a
growing medium, plant ed ov er a
waterproofing mem brane. It oft en inc ludes
additional layers su ch as a r oot b arrier,
drainage, and irr igation sys tems.
Green S tormwater Infr astructure - Dr ainage
practices in ur ban envir onments t hat r etain,
treat, infiltrate, evapotranspire, and har vest
and use r ainwater and s tormwater runoff as
valuable r esource ins tead of dir ectly piping
and disc harging it t o t he Bay as quic kly as
possible.
Green W all - A v ertical s tructure t hat is
embedded wit h living plant s and has a gr owth
medium and a bui lt-in irr igation sys tem.
Growth Ar eas - An ar ea identif ied and
designated on t he Land U se/Transportation
Diagram f or h igher density de velopment in
order t o supp ort job and/ or housing gr owth
within t he e xisting c ity ar ea t hrough
redevelopment and int ensification of a lready
developed pr operties. Gr owth Ar eas inc lude
the Downt own, Sp ecific Plan ar eas, Ur ban
Villages, North San José, and ot her
employment dis tricts.
High-rise (bui ldings) - Bui ldings wit h mor e
than e ight s tories.
Human Sc ale - The pr esence of bui lding
elements t hat r elates t o human siz e and
encourage human pr esence and int eraction.
Landing (s tairs) - Pla tforms c onstructed w here
the dir ection of s tairs c hanges, b etween s tair
flights, or a t t he t op of s tair f lights.
Landscape/Landscaping - P ervious ar eas
containing or ganic and inor ganic e lements. It
includes but is not lim ited t o x eriscaping, soft
landscape (or ganic e lements su ch as plant s,
soil, mulch, trees, shrubs), and har d landsc ape
(inorganic e lements su ch as r ocks, p athways,
and br icks).
A.1 GLOSSARY
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
93.GLOSSARY
A.1 GLOSSARY
Large sit e - A de velopment sit e, e ither a sing le property or multiple c ontiguous p arcels, t hat
has a t otal ar ea of 75,000 squ are f eet or mor e.
Large tr ee - A tr ee w hich is 51 f eet or mor e a t height or canopy spread a t maturity.
Low Imp act De velopment (LID) - A land
planning and eng ineering design appr oach
which a ims t o r educe s tormwater runoff and
mimic a sit e's pr e-development hy drology by
minimizing dis turbed ar eas and imp ervious
cover, infiltrating, storing, evapotranspiring,
retaining, and/or biotre ating st ormwater runoff
close t o it s sour ce, or on sit e.
Low-rise (bui ldings) - Bui ldings wit h one t o
three s tories.
Maximum A llowed (bui lding) He ight -
Maximum he ight is de fined by t he c onforming
Zoning Dis trict t o t he Gener al Plan Land use
designation. If t here ar e multiple c onforming
Zoning Dis tricts, c hoose t he h ighest maximum
height. (Example: For t he Ne ighborhood
Community Commer cial (NC C) Gener al Plan
designation, choose t he h ighest a llowed
height of Commer cial P edestrian (CP),
Commercial Neig hborhood (CN), or Commer cial
General (CG)).
Massing - The t hree-dimensional bulk of a
structure: height, width, and dept h.
Maturity (T rees) - Ma turity is w hen a tr ee
reaches 12.1 inc hes diame ter a t f our and a ha lf
feet a bove gr ade.
Medium Sit e - A de velopment sit e, e ither a
single pr operty or multiple c ontiguous p arcels,
that has a t otal ar ea of b etween 10,000 and
75,000 square f eet. These may or may not
require an int ernal c irculation ne twork f or
vehicles, pedestrians, and bicy clists depending
on sit e or ganization and plann ing.
Medium T ree - A tr ee w hich is 26 t o 50 f eet a t height or canopy spread a t maturity.
Micromobility - Micr omobility r efers t o a r ange
of sma ll and lig ht-weight de vices t hat typic ally
operate a t sp eeds b elow 25 km/h (15mph).
These ar e ide al f or tr ips up t o 10km (6.2 m iles) and may inc lude bic ycles (p ersonal or s hared),
e-bikes, electric sc ooters, and e lectric
skateboards.
Middle (of bui lding)- The m iddle v ertical
section of bui ldings t hat oft en c ontains t he bulk
of a bui ldings pr imary use (s) and t enant(s).
Mid-rise (bui ldings) - Bui ldings b etween f our t o
eight s tories.
Mixed-use or Multi -functional De velopments
or Bui ldings - De velopments or bui ldings t hat
house diff erent uses su ch as r esidential and
commercial in diff erent p arts of t he bui lding or
have sp aces w hose func tion c an c hange on t he
weekend or aft er business hour s.
Non-active U ses - U ses and o ccupancy typ es
that do not a ttract public user s or f oster vi brant
street lif e. E xamples inc lude but ar e not lim ited to service and uti lity ar eas, p arking lot s and
garages, and pr ofessional off ices.
Non-active F rontage - Bui lding frontage with
unoccupied spaces that ar e me ant f or bui lding
operations, such as ser vices, tr ash, and uti lities.
Non-compact Soi l - Soi l t hat pr ovides a t le ast 50 percent p ore sp ace. These p ores r ange in
size fr om sma ll m icropores t hat hold and
release w ater b etween r ainfall e vents and lar ge
macropores fr om w hich w ater dr ains r apidly
after a r ainstorm. Soi l macr opores pr ovide op en
passages f or mov ement of o xygen and ot her
gases wit hin t he soi l. Non-c ompact soi l a llows
the nec essary a ir c irculation and w ater
infiltration int o t he r oot z one.
Occupied Dec k or Ba lcony - A dec k or a
balcony t hat is int ended t o b e used f or
recreational purposed by t he bui lding
occupants and visit ors.
Occupied Sp ace - An enc losed sp ace in a
building int ended f or human ac tivities,
including b athrooms and c irculation, but not
including v ehicle p arking or sp ace f or ot her
building func tions su ch as s torage, solid waste
storage, equipment, or c omputer ser vers.
Paseo - A landsc aped p athway e xclusively f or
pedestrians and bic yclists. P aseos ar e
mid-block connections t hat impr ove
pedestrian c irculation a long e xtra-long blocks.
Passive Design - Ener gy-efficient bui lding
design t hat r egulates c omfortable int erior
temperature by optim izing façade materials,
high-performance windows, and bui lding
orientation t o subs tantially r educe t he need
for au xiliary he ating and c ooling sys tems.
Passive (ar ea) - An unde veloped sp ace or
environmentally sensitiv e ar ea t hat r equires
minimal development. Emphasis is plac ed on
preservation of wi ldlife and t he envir onment.
Pathway Easement (PE) - A public e asement
which pr ovides p edestrian ac cess t hrough a
property.
Pedestrian L evel - The f irst 30 v ertical f eet of a building a bove gr ade. Th is p art is t he mos t
critical for cr eating a g ood p edestrian
environment.
Permanent (ins tallation) - Ins tallations,
furniture, amenities, art, or ot her f eatures t hat
are p ermanently in t he same lo cation or ar ea
and may b e p ermanently aff ixed t o t he gr ound
or ot her bui lding surf ace.
Photometric Plan - A sit e plan dr awing w hich
shows t he me asurement of t he int ensity of
light and i lluminating p ower f or a ll lig ht
fixtures t o b e ins talled t hroughout t he sit e.
Primary Bui lding Entr ance - A sing le entr ance
to a bui lding t hat pr ovides ac cess t o t he use
with t he maximum ar ea in t he bui lding
program. A bui lding c an hav e se veral uses and
more t han one sep arate entr ance f or e ach of
those uses, but a bui lding c an hav e on ly one
primary entr ance; a ll ot hers ar e secondary
building entrances.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
94. GLOSSARY
A.1 GLOSSARY
Portal - A do orway, g ate, or ot her entr ance t o a
space, especially a lar ge one.
Primary S treet - A ma in t horoughfare,
including 'art erial' t hrough r outes and
mixed-use, multi-functional streets (a t le ast in
part a long t heir lengt h), pr oviding ac cess t o
properties as w ell as ot her amen ities, su ch as
General Plan designated Gr and Boule vards,
Main S treets, and City c onnector s treets (in
growth ar eas).
Private Dr iveway - The p ortion of a dr iveway
that is lo cated inside t he pr operty line.
Private Op en Sp ace - Pr ivately-owned or
controlled out door sp ace f or use by a sing le
unit's r esidents or a sing le business' s w orkers
or cus tomers, ac cessible by secur ed ac cess
only. Common c onfigurations ar e r ear y ards
and b alconies.
Privately-owned (and ma intained) Public
Open Sp ace (POPOS) - Pr ivately-owned and
maintained out door ar eas and/ or r ecreational
spaces t hat ar e fr ee, op en, and ac cessible t o
the entir e public dur ing se t hour s e ach day ,
e.g., plazas, sidewalk extensions, children's
playgrounds, etc.
Private S treet - An int ernal c irculation s treet
which is me ant t o b e used by t he o ccupants of
the de velopment and not me ant t o b e used as
a t horoughfare.
Public Op en Sp ace - Public ly-owned p arks,
plazas, and ot her sp aces me ant f or r epose and
recreation.
Public R ealm - The ar ea out side a bui lding
accessible or visi ble t o t he public, inc luding
public r ight-of-way, side walk e asement, and
publicly ac cessible op en sp ace.
Quasi-public U se - Pr ivately owned and
operated ac tivities w hich ar e ins titutional in
nature, such as hospit als, museums, and
schools; churches and ot her r eligious
institutions; other non-pr ofit ac tivities of an
educational, youth, welfare, or ph ilanthropic
nature w hich c annot b e c onsidered a
residential, commercial, or indus trial ac tivity;
and public uti lities and t he f acilities of any
organization involv ed in the provision of public
services su ch as g as, w ater, e lectricity, and
telecommunications.
Resilience - The a bility t o endur e or r ecover
quickly fr om diff iculties.
Resilient Sys tems - Sys tems designed t o
withstand and quic kly r ebound fr om ser ious
disruptions and na tural disas ters.
Rhythm - A r egular and r epeating p attern of
objects or ar chitectural e lements su ch as a
bays, windows, sunshades, awnings, doors,
projections e tc.
Secondary Bui lding Entr ance - Any bui lding
entrance ot her t han t he primary building
entrance.
Secondary S treet - A s treet supplementing a
main t horoughfare, usu ally wide enoug h and
suitable f or tw o-way, a ll-weather tr affic a t
moderate or s low sp eeds, su ch as General
Plan-designated City c onnector s treets in
non-growth ar eas and lo cal c onnector s treets.
Semi-private Op en Sp ace - Pr ivately-owned or
controlled out door sp ace ac cessible fr om t he
public realm but not int ended f or public use,
e.g., setback to ground f loor r esidential sp ace;
landscaped setback to ground f loor off ice
space.
Setback
- The m inimum dis tance by w hich
buildings, structures, and p arking mus t b e
separated fr om any lot line, as de fined in t he
San José Mun icipal Co de.
Small Site - A de velopment sit e t hat has a
total area of less than 10,000 squar e fee t. Small
sites e ither house a sing le bui lding or one
primary bui lding wit h sma ller ac cessory
buildings.
Small Tree - A tr ee w hich is a maximum of 25
feet in he ight or canopy spread a t maturity.
Soil Cell - A mo dular subsurf ace c omposed of
structural units t hat f orm a s keletal ma trix,
usually ins talled under p aved surf aces, and
filled wit h lar ge v olumes of soi l t o supp ort
healthy r oot gr owth. Soi l c ells ar e designed t o
support t he gr owth of large trees and c an he lp
with s tormwater manag ement as t hey pr ovide
ample sp ace f or w ater t o p enetrate t he
enclosed soi l.
Solid W all/Concrete F ence - A pr efabricated
concrete f ence wit h sep arate pr efab c oncrete
fence p ost f oundations Th is s hould b e used
instead of a w all wit h c ontinuous c oncrete
foundation f or narr ow plant ers w here t he
separator w all is f ive f eet t all or mor e and
planter b ed is f ive f eet wide or less.
Solid W aste - A ll putr escible and non-
putrescible solid and sem isolid w aste ma terial
including g arbage, rubbis h, demolition and
construction w astes, indus trial w astes,
vegetable and an imal solid and sem isolid
wastes, reusable or r ecyclable ma terial, bulky
goods, and ot her disc arded solid and
semisolid w astes.
Stand-alone P arking Gar age - A multi -story
parking s tructure t hat is not c onnected t o any
other bui ldings and do es not house any uses
other t han p arking.
Streetscape - The visu al c haracter of a s treet
as de termined by e lements su ch as s tructures,
access, greenery, open sp ace, vie w, e tc. The
scene as may b e obser ved a long a public
street c omposed of na tural and man-made
components, including bui ldings, p aving
planting, street har dware, and m iscellaneous
structures.
Streetwall
- The bui lding façade(s) along a
public s treet, public op en sp ace, or a paseo
from gr ound le vel t o 70 f eet a bove. F or a
portion of t he façade to count as a s treetwall,
it mus t lie wit hin t en f eet of t he pr operty line or setback line, if t here is one, fr om gr ound le vel
to the t op of t he h ighest o ccupied f loor of t hat portion of t he bui lding.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
95.GLOSSARY
A.1 GLOSSARY
Stepback Plane - An imag inary inc lined plane
that de fines t he bui lding env elope t o pr eserve
a m inimum t hreshold of lig ht and a ir ac cess
and t o lim it t he imp act of ne w de velopments
on adjac ent pr operties and uses.
Stepback - The r equired or ac tual plac ement
of a bui lding a sp ecified dis tance aw ay fr om a
road, property line, or ot her s tructure a t a le vel
above t he f irst f loor.
Street-facing Bui lding F açade - A façade of
the bui lding t hat f aces a s treet.
Structural Soil - A p avement subs trate t hat
can mee t t he lo ad b earing r equirements f or
structurally sound p avement surf aces, y et s till
allow r oots t o gr ow under and aw ay fr om
pavements. The m ixture c onsists of a s tone
matrix f or s trength and soi l t o mee t
horticultural needs.
Sunshade - A bui lding e lement used t o
provide s hade and pr otection fr om t he sun.
Suspended P avement (or Canti levered
Sidewalks) - Any t echnology t hat supp orts t he
weight of p aving and cr eates a subsurf ace v oid
space t hat is f illed wit h soi l f or r oot gr owth.
The soi l t hat is used t o f ill t he sys tem c an
either b e na tive, fr om t he e xcavation ar ea it self (if appr opriate), or a sp ecified m ix. In t his
respect, suspended p avements ar e essentia lly
soil-delivery sys tems, cr eating a r ooting ar ea
composed of lig htly-compacted, h igh-quality
soils f or tr ee r oots in c ities and ot her he avily paved envir onments. In addition t o a iding
urban tr ee gr owth, t he soi l c an a lso b e used f or on-site s tormwater manag ement, ma intaining
pre-development hy drology, m inimizing
non-point sour ce p ollution and f looding, and
recharging w atersheds.
Sustainability - Sustainability is t he p otential
for long- term ma intenance of w ellbeing, w hich
has envir onmental, ec onomic, f iscal, and
social dimensions.
Sustainable or Gr een Design - Impr ovements
to building, structure, and/or f eature
performance t o r educe envir onmental
impacts, conserve r esources, and cr eate a
healthy envir onment f or o ccupants.
Temporary (ins tallation) - Ins tallations,
furniture, amenities, art, or ot her f eatures t hat
are:
■ Made ac cessible t o user s on ly dur ing
certain hour s e ach day; or
■ A c onstant r otation of diff erent piec es in
the same lo cation t hat a ll ser ve a
connected purp ose or func tion.
Top (of bui lding) - The h ighest sec tion of
buildings, including t he r oof, cornices, and a t
most t he t op t hree s tories t hat identif ies
building pr ominence via ar chitectural design
and he lps s hape t he s kyline.
Travel Path (or P ath of T ravel) - A c ontinuous,
unobstructed w ay of p edestrian p assage by
means of w hich t he a ltered ar ea may b e
approached, entered, and e xited, and w hich
connects t he a ltered ar ea wit h an e xterior
approach (inc luding side walks, s treets, and
parking ar eas), an entr ance t o t he f acility, and
other p arts of t he f acility.
Unoccupied Sp ace - An enc losed sp ace in a
building not int ended f or human ac tivities but
only f or bui lding ser vices, su ch as s torage,
trash, equipment, building uti lities.
Urban F abric - The physic al asp ect of
urbanism, emphasizing bui lding typ es,
thoroughfares, open sp ace, frontages, and
streetscapes but e xcluding envir onmental,
functional, economic, and so ciocultural
aspects.
Wall Signs - Signs wit h a f ace g enerally p arallel
with and aff ixed t o an e xterior w all of any
building. They c ould b e dir ectly p ainted on t he
exterior w all or b e a ttached f lat on t he w all
using diff erent ma terials.
Wayfinding - The ability t o or ient onese lf in a
physical space and navig ate fr om one plac e t o
another by lo oking a t visu al cu es.
EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)
SAN JOSE CITYWIDE DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
96. GLOSSARY
Notes:
1. For pr ojects wit h 20 or f ewer un its t he common open space requirement may b e de leted. F or pr ojects wit h mor e t han 20 un its t he common open space requirement may b e de leted pr ovided t hat t he private open space for a ll un its is incr eased by 150 squ are f eet e ach.
2. Required common open space per un it may b e r educed by an ar ea equiv alent t o t he amount of private open space in e xcess of 60 squ are f eet.
3. Projects wit h f ewer t han e ight un its ar e not r equired t o pr ovide any common open space provided t hat e ach gr ound f loor un it has a t le ast 120 squ are feet of private open space.
Development type Private open
space (per unit)
Common open
space (per unit) Notes
Single-Family De tached Dw elling – 3,000 t o 4,000 squ are f oot lot 500 150 1 Single-Family De tached Dw elling – 4,000 t o 5,000 squ are f oot lot 750 NA Single-Family De tached Dw elling – gr eater t han 5,000 squ are f oot lot s 1000 NA Duplex (Sp ecific De velopment T ype r eference: 5.1.1) 300 NA Single-Family De tached Dw elling less t han 3,000 squ are f oot lot & T ownhouses – fr ont facing g arages (Sp ecific De velopment T ype r eference: 5.1.3) (Residential Design Guideline reference: Single Family Detached Dwelling less than 3,000 square foot lot, rowhouses, and courthomes)
400 150 1
Rowhouses – r ear f acing g arages ac cessed off an a lley or pr ivate dr ive, no b ack y ard (Specific De velopment T ype r eference: 5.1.3)
(Residential Design Guideline reference: Garden Townhouses) 300 150
Low-Rise Multi F amily (Sp ecific De velopment T ype r eference: 5.1.5) (Residential Design Guideline reference: Cluster Housing) 60 200 2, 3
Mid-rise or Hig h-rise multif amily and m ixed use (Sp ecific De velopment T ype r eference:
5.1.6 and 5.1.7)
(Residential Design Guideline reference: Podium Cluster Housing and Mixed Use Development)
60 100
A.2 Common and Private Open Space Design
A.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMON AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE DESIGN EXHIBIT "B"
(File No. PP22-006)